03:47 PM CST on Wednesday, January 25, 2006

WWLTV.com

Louisiana will receive $6.2 billion in federal block grant assistance – the maximum it was eligible to receive – it was announced by HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson Wednesday.

Jackson, along with Gulf Coast rebuilding coordinator Donald Powell, announced the distribution of $11.5 billion allocated by Congress.

The block grants allow the individual states to determine how best to use the funds during their recovery. Jackson said he hoped that the majority of the money would be used to help secure housing for displaced residents.

"Today, we take another major step toward fulfilling the President's pledge to rebuild the Gulf region," said Jackson.  "This is an investment in long-term recovery and re-building lives. It's my hope that families who once had a home, can return home." 

Louisiana received the largest share at $6.2 billion. Mississippi received $5.1 billion, while Alabama, Florida and Texas each received less than $100 million.

 HUD will shortly publish a notice providing guidance to these states and to assist them in their long-term recovery planning, particularly as they relate to meeting the tremendous housing needs of their citizens.