08/29/09 President Barack Obama Weekly Radio Address

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29TH, 2009 AT 12:13 AM
Weekly Address: Lessons and Renewal Out of the Gulf Coast
Posted by Jesse Lee
"The President discusses the steps being taken to finish the job of recovery from Hurricane Katrina as the fourth anniversary approaches. He points to local citizens working hard alongside responsible government to make real progress in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, and pledges that the lessons of Katrina will not be forgotten."
read the transcript

Obama Vows to Speed Hurricane Katrina Recovery Effort
By HELENE COOPER
Published: August 29, 2009

OAK BLUFFS, Mass. — "President Obama used his weekly radio address on Saturday to note the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, pledging to work to advance the recovery effort along the Gulf Coast and announcing that he would visit New Orleans before the end of the year.

"None of us can forget how we felt when those winds battered the shore, the floodwaters began to rise and Americans were stranded on rooftops and in stadiums," Mr. Obama said. "Over a thousand people would lose their lives. Over a million people were displaced. Whole neighborhoods of a great American city were left in ruins. Communities across the Gulf Coast were forever changed. And many Americans questioned whether government could fulfill its responsibility to respond in a crisis, or contribute to a recovery that covered parts of four states."

Mr. Obama said he had coordinated the recovery effort across federal agencies and state and local governments. "No more turf wars," he said.

"I have also made it clear that we will not tolerate red tape that stands in the way of progress, or the waste that can drive up the bill," Mr. Obama said, adding, "Government must be a partner, not an opponent, in getting things done."

"He said his administration had put in place dispute-settlement programs in an effort to speed up the recovery.

"In addition, he said, the government has freed up hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance that has not been distributed.

"As we rebuild and recover, we must also learn the lessons of Katrina, so that our nation is more protected and resilient in the face of disaster," Mr. Obama said.

"That means continuing to rebuild hundreds of miles of levees and floodwalls around New Orleans," Mr. Obama said, "and working to strengthen the wetlands and barrier islands that are the Gulf Coast's first line of defense."