Associated Press

File Photo.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Fisheries Service has announced it will send $40 million to help rebuild Louisiana's fishing industry after hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Texas will be eligible for up to $7 million in disaster aid.

NOAA's Fisheries Service Assistant Administrator Jim Balsiger says, “We are pleased that the states have shown a strong interest in using this aid to restore damaged oyster reefs, remove storm debris that hinders the shrimp industry, and to rebuild processing houses, docks, ice houses, and other parts of the fishing infrastructure destroyed by the hurricanes.”

Louisiana and Texas will submit plans to NOAA to outline how the funds will be spent.