Baton Rouge Press Releases

Baton Rouge Lands Customer Service Center for Staples, Inc.

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Business Recruitment Win the Result of New City-Parish/BRAC Partnership;

Staples Bringing 400+ New Jobs, Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Area

Baton Rouge, La. (July 30, 2007) � The Honorable Melvin �Kip� Holden, President of East Baton Rouge Parish and Mayor of the City of Baton Rouge, today announced the successful recruitment of a national customer service center for a leading Fortune 500 company. Staples, the world�s largest office products company, has selected Baton Rouge as the location for an innovative new contact center for its North American Delivery business.

The new �virtual� Staples contact center will support a team of customer service representatives who work entirely from home. The center will provide a training facility for new representatives as well as office space for management and support staff. Staples is recruiting about 60 work-at-home customer service representatives and a variety of management and support positions, including team managers and service trainers, to prepare for the scheduled October opening. Staples plans to have more than 400 contact center jobs in Baton Rouge over the next four years. The new center is located on Highlandia Drive in Baton Rouge.

�This is our first major recruitment of a national company as a result of our economic development initiative for East Baton Rouge Parish in partnership with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber,� Holden said, �but it�s only the beginning of great things to come. This partnership allows us to provide on-going, seamless coordination for business recruitment between the parish and the state which increases our success in attracting quality jobs for Baton Rouge.�

The project, codenamed �Project Star� during the site selection process, represents the latest success for a new business development partnership between the City-Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). Under terms of the partnership, which was formalized in January, BRAC is responsible for conducting national marketing, business recruitment, and business retention and expansion activities for East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge. The partnership is modeled after successful public/private economic development ventures in other midsize communities like Knoxville, Mobile, Nashville, and Raleigh.

�Baton Rouge is a first-rate location to operate our new contact center, helping provide customer service excellence for our growing delivery businesses� said Joe Doody, president of Staples North American Delivery. �The people of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the City-Parish, and Louisiana Economic Development have been terrific to work with in making this new facility possible. Staples is a great place to work and we look forward to building our team here with great people from the Baton Rouge area.�

The project was formally announced at a press conference this afternoon at the Camelot Club. Staples Vice President Doug Woodard, Mayor-President Kip Holden, LED Secretary Mike Olivier, and BRAC President/CEO, Stephen Moret were on hand to make the announcement.

Staples� North American Delivery unit, serving businesses of all sizes, is comprised of the Staples Contract division, Staples Business Delivery, and Quill Corporation.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 74,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 1,900 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.

EBR MAYOR�S OFFICE LINKING DISPLACED NEW ORLEANIANS WITH ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden is helping two artists locate New Orleans residents displaced to the Baton Rouge area to participate in an oral history project that will accompany a major exhibit at the State Museum this summer.

�Floodwall�, a wall of drawers 120 feet long and eight feet tall was constructed of drawers salvaged from flooded homes in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, with each catalogued by address.

On the heels of a successful exhibition in New York, the exhibit will open at the new State Museum in Baton Rouge on July 13th before traveling to Europe next Spring with the stories gathered from participants.

�The artists are searching for the owners of the drawers to gather oral histories to accompany the exhibit,� Mayor Holden explained. �We are encouraging those who relocated to Baton Rouge to connect with the artists and join us for the opening of the exhibit at the State Museum in Baton Rouge.�

Displaced residents can visit www.floodwall.org to see if their address is included among the drawers recovered in New Orleans. Artists Rondell Crier and Jana Napoli and oral historian Tatiana Clay are the creators of the project.

A Month to Celebrate �One Baton Rouge�

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor Kip Holden and the members of a number of religious and civic organizations announced the designation of the Month of May as One Baton Rouge month. Mayor Holden said the objective was to promote unity and diversity as �One Baton Rouge�.

The Mission for the One Baton Rouge Committee is �One Baton Rouge Means the acceptance and integration of people of all color, religions, sexual orientations, nationalities and people of all

walks of life into every aspect of Baton Rouge community life so that we all will be enriched by each other�.

The One Baton Rouge Committee issued a statement that said �May marks the launching of a whole new spirit of one-ness for our city which we hope will continue through the months and years ahead�.

The Mayor was joined on the steps of the Baton Rouge governmental building for the announcement of One Baton Rouge month, by people from many different and diverse populations of Baton Rouge � literally from all walks of Baton Rouge life.

The Mayor and the One Baton Rouge Committee are asking religious, church and civic organizations in East Baton Rouge Parish to consider taking one week during May to highlight how they foster acceptance of diverse people. One way to actively participate in One Baton Rouge Month is to consider inviting a member of the One Baton Rouge Speaker�s bureau to talk on diversity.

The Mayor suggested that One Baton Rouge Month presents an opportunity for all citizens of Baton Rouge to commit to meet and get to know people that they normally would not have a chance to know.

A speaker�s bureau has been set up for organizations which would like assistance in securing a speaker for One Baton Rouge month. The speaker�s bureau contact telephone number is 338-1170.

It was also announced during the press briefing that a new web site www.OneBatonRouge.com has been established. Individuals and organizations that want more information about One Baton Rouge events and programs can access the web site.

A �Join the Human Race Walk� is going to take place on Saturday May 19th starting at the Lod Cook Center on the LSU campus beginning at 9:00AM. There is no fee for participation.

Other One Baton Rouge plans include parish wide billboards, public service announcements, and programs for schools, for examples, all to promote a better understanding of the value of having One Baton Rouge.

Public Notice - Government St. Overlay

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

An Informational Workshop for the Metropolitan Council to discuss the proposal of the finalized Government Street Overlay District Ordinance will be held in room 348 (Council Chambers) at 222 St. Louis Street at 4:30 P.M. on April 3, 2007.

NEW SATURDAY PET ADOPTION

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Starting in January 2007, the East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control Center will open for pet adoptions only, on the first and last Saturdays of each month. The Animal Control Center is located at 2680 Progress Road, near the Baton Rouge Metro Airport. Adoption hours will be from 9:00am � 1:00p.m. The Animal Control Center will also perform mid-month Saturday remote adoptions, using the mobile adoption trailer. Mobile pet adoption sites to be announced soon.

Eden park branch library to close for move

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The Eden Park Branch Library, currently located at 4142 Gus Young Avenue, will close at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, and remain closed until the grand opening of the new facility, located at 5131 Greenwell Springs Road on Thursday, January 11, at 9:00 a.m.

During this time, patrons may return library materials to any East Baton Rouge Parish Library, or renew online at www.ebr.lib.la.us.

For more information, call (225) 231-3750.

MAYOR HOLDEN OBTAINS FUNDS FOR CAPTIAL AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Making good on his efforts to find the money to meet the Capital Area Transit Systems (CATS) budget needs to avoid service reductions, Mayor-President Holden announced today that he had received a check in the amount of two hundred thirty-two thousand dollars from Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy. The funds were a result of Mayor Holden's request for an emergency disbursement of the excess funds that were in the East Baton Rouge Parish Community Improvement Fund at the end of the 2006 fiscal year. A portion of the proceeds of the East Baton Rouge Parish lodging tax are dedicated to this fund.

Also receiving funds from the East Baton Rouge Parish Community Improvement Fund is the Research Park Corporation. However, CATS is the sole beneficiary of this money received by Mayor Holden.

Earlier, Mayor Holden sent to the Metro Council a budget supplement for CATS of five hundred thousand dollars which was approved without objection. CATS originally said it would need 1.1 million dollars to operate to the end of the year. After Mayor Holden asked CATS to re-examine their needs and effect management and operational efficiencies, CATS submitted a budget supplement for 780,000 thousand dollars. With this check, Mayor Holden has substantially closed the financial subsidy need of CATS.

Mayor Urges Donation of Fans

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

In response to the summer heat wave, Mayor Holden is urging the donation of fans or funds to purchase fans for those vulnerable to the heat.

�With record high temperatures sweeping the nation, Baton Rouge is experiencing a heat wave that can be deadly for individuals who may be vulnerable because of age or illness,� Mayor Holden said.

Persons who would like to donate fans can drop them off at the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging Office at 5790 Florida Boulevard or call 923-8000. Fans may also be dropped off at the Louisiana Capital Area Red Cross Offices at 10201 Mayfair Drive.

�If you know of a relative, an elderly person, a co-worker, a church member or a neighbor who may not be equipped to handle this heat, please be a good neighbor and check on them,� Mayor Holden urged. �If you know of someone in need, please call the Council on Aging at 923-8000 to find help. It could mean the difference between life and death.�

MAYOR HOLDEN LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO ADDRESS HOMELESS NEEDS

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor Melvin L. �Kip� Holden kicked off two programs today aimed at providing assistance to Baton Rouge�s homeless population and relief to those who may be vulnerable to summer heat.

In partnership with the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless, Mayor Holden launched a program that will offer two components for reducing Baton Rouge�s homeless population: an awareness program for services available to the homeless, and Street Outreach Teams comprised of specially trained social services professionals teamed with former homeless clients.

�We will distribute Outreach Cards that list services available to the homeless so that businesses and individuals who are asked for help by a homeless person can refer them,� Mayor Holden explained. �Our message is this: It is better to refer a homeless person for service than to give cash. We can only help if we can move them to the programs that can find permanent solutions to their problems.�

Holden said the Street Outreach Teams will work to identify homeless individuals, build trust through one-on-one counseling and offer transportation to a site where they provide toiletries, case management and housing. He said screening for mental illness and substance abuse, two of the leading causes of homelessness, will be provided.

�The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Volunteers of America are taking the lead in working with us on this creative approach,� Mayor Holden said. �We will run this program for 90 days in the downtown area, evaluate its success and determine steps for providing services parish wide.�

Holden said the program is being funded by a Community Development Block Grant through the Office of Community Development and he anticipates additional funding will be secured to expand the program.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sewer Improvement Program Bond Ratings Increase Across the Board

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

After recent meetings between Mayor Holden and City Officials with the bond rating agencies (Fitch, Moody's and S&P) the bond ratings for the $156 million East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Revenue Bonds were increased. Fitch rated the Sewer transaction bonds at AA- and increased their ratings on the non-refunded bonds to AA while Moody increased their ratings to an A1. The third company, S&P raised their rating to an A+. The companies commented that the increase in ratings for the Parish were directly related to the strong combined credit, increase in population and customer base and the excellent fiscal management of this project. The overall analysis of this is a cost savings by the Parish on this project and will help with the ratings on future projects. These ratings represent the highest ratings that East Baton Rouge Parish has received for any bond issue.

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MAYOR HOLDEN ANNOUNCES VIDEO MONITORING TO MAKE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SAFER

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Homeland Security Grant Funds Security Canopy

BATON ROUGE, LA � March 30th 2006 � Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden today announced a significant milestone in the increased security of Baton Rouge � a video security canopy to view critical infrastructure and Homeland Security targets and speed up emergency response in these areas.

�The safety of the public and businesses of Baton Rouge is a top priority of our administration,� said Mayor Holden. �The bottom line is Baton Rouge just got a lot safer.�

The Mayor said East Baton Rouge Parish Homeland Security Director JoAnne Moreau has been working closely with the DHS to increase the security of critical infrastructure within the parish. Sites which will be monitored include water treatment facilities, electric substations, the natural gas delivery system, railroads, Municipal, Parish and Federal buildings, Department of Public Works facilities, essential transportation routes and the Port of Baton Rouge, among others.

The city will install fifty-eight video cameras throughout the parish, concentrated around infrastructure and sites requiring increased security. The cameras are connected to a central monitoring facility through a wireless system saving significant time and cost in deployment. Authorized agents from the local police departments and homeland security will have mobile access to these live video.

�Through this technology, we can make our parish safer for the public and industry,� Mayor Holden said. �Keeping Baton Rouge secure is critical to the economic stability of Louisiana. As our Capitol City and home to two major universities and many large industries, it�s important that we pursue homeland security funds for East Baton Rouge Parish.�

Moreau stated �[F]irst responders will now have access to critical information prior to arriving on scene, allowing for efficient, quicker and more accurate deployment in serving our citizens.�

Holden commended Moreau for her success in securing the grants to bring the innovative technology to East Baton Rouge Parish. �This is exactly the type of initiative I have encouraged our professional staff to undertake,� Holden said. �The key to making Baton Rouge safer lies in our ability to secure new technology for law enforcement and public works,� Holden said.

# # #

MAYOR HOLDEN ANNOUNCES HOMELAND SECURITY DIRECTOR�S SELECTION TO NATIONAL GRANT PROGRAM PANEL

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor Melvin L. �Kip� Holden announced this week that East Baton Rouge Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security Director JoAnne Moreau has been selected to serve on a peer review panel for the 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP).

Moreau was selected from 250 applicants to serve on a panel to review and score requests for funds used to increase ability to respond and coordinate efforts in emergency situations. These funds can be used in areas such as the establishment of interoperable communications, early warning for terrorist attack, increased maritime security and equipping Urban Search and Rescue teams to handle any catastrophic event through out the region.

�Ms. Moreau�s selection to this position shows the knowledge and respect she has earned nationally through her work in emergency preparedness and homeland security,� Holden said. �Our parish is fortunate to have her experience and dedication. Because of her quick responses and decisions during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, East Baton Rouge Parish moved to the forefront of the disaster recovery effort. We are very proud to have her selected to serve on this important panel.�

Upon selection, Moreau stated �[T]his is an honor for me, but also of great value to the people of East Baton Rouge Parish. I will have the opportunity to review programs from around the country to see the best practices and bring these ideas back to our community. Having the peer reviewer�s experience will help me make EBR more successful."

The review panel will begin its process in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the first week in April. As a panel member, Moreau, selected by the United States Department of Homeland Security, will be reviewing and scoring six State and Urban Area Investment Justifications.

New Microchip Implantation Program At East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control Center has initiated a microchip implantation program for all it's adoption animals. Animals entering the shelter are also scanned in order to try to reunite them with their owners. All adopted animals are now implanted with microchips after the spaying or neutering surgery. Adopters have the option of registering their dogs with the microchip company for a small fee, thereby ensuring a 24 hour, seven day a week service that provides information to the caller with a free 800 telephone service. Owners can also change their information if necessary.

Pet owners with mircrochipped animals will be contacted by the Animal Control Center should their animals enter the shelter, but only if the owner had registered their animal and microchip number with the microchip company. Registration form are provided with the microchip. Contact your Veterinarian for further information.

Chipping does not replace the rabies license tag that is still required to be worn by all dogs and cats over the age of three months in East Baton Rouge Parish. Your Veterinarian provides the license tag with the rabies vaccination.

Identifying your pet is very important as it is essentially it's ticket home should it escape or get lost. Over 95 percent of all animals entering animal shelters do not wear any form of identification. The advantage of this method of identification is that it is simple and permanent. All pet owners are encouraged to provide identification for their animals at all times.

For Immediate Release:

Contact Information: Hilton Cole, East Baton Rouge Animal Control Director (225) 774-7700

Mayor Holden Invites Broad Participation in Workshop to Discuss Development Near Wetlands

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden is urging developers, architects, landscape architects, environmentalists, neighborhood associations, realtors and others to participate in the March 9th workshop presented by the East Baton Rouge Parish Planning Commission to develop recommendations for improvements to local codes and ordinances for watershed protection.

�East Baton Rouge Parish, especially the southern part of our parish, has valuable wetland areas which contribute to our natural environment and quality of life,� Holden said. �It is critical for us to improve our codes and ordinances to protect and preserve these areas by making sure we develop responsibly.�

Holden said East Baton Rouge Parish�s growth brings with it issues of how commercial development can affect storm water run-off, the protection of our streams from pollutants, water quality and other related issues which will be thoroughly discussed at the workshop.

Led by the City-Parish Wetland Steering Committee, the workshop will present an inventory and analysis of sensitive watershed areas of East Baton Rouge Parish, model principles and best practices for wetland protection and break-out sessions to discuss proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code.

�From this workshop, I hope to work with the Planning Commission to make recommendations to the Metro Council for developing East Baton Rouge Parish in a responsible way that allows the protection and preservation of our wetland areas,� Holden said. �I hope those who are involved in developing East Baton Rouge Parish as well as groups concerned about protecting these areas will come together to participate in this important workshop. Our Department of Public Works will also take an active role in this discussion on behalf of the city-parish.�

The Urban Watershed Protection Workshop will be held March 9th at the Embassy Suites Hotel beginning at 8:00 a.m. For more information on registration, interested parties are urged to contact the City-Parish Planning Commission at 389-3144.

STREAMING METROPOLITAN COUNCIL MEETINGS NOW AVAILABLE

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The East Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council Meetings will be available for live viewing on the city web site, www.brgov.com. By simply clicking on �Online Council Meetings� on the homepage, internet users can tune-in to Metropolitan Council Meetings, which are held every Wednesday.

Viewers can also obtain a copy of the agenda to follow along as they view the live meetings by following the link on the Online Council Meeting page. The video footage that will be broadcast on the internet is the same that is shown on Metro 21, the city Government Cable Channel. A high speed internet connection is recommended to view the meetings.

This is a cooperative effort of the City of Baton Rouge and Cox Communications in an effort to inform citizens of local government legislation. �The City is pleased to offer more viewer accessibility to the public, and encourages citizen awareness and participation,� says Mayor Pro-Tem Lorri Burgess.

Contact Person:

Dennis McCain, Public Information Officer

(225) 389-3121

Don Evans, Information

Services Director

(225) 389-3070

MAYOR MAKES STATEMENT ON DR. WILLIAM JENKINS STEPPING DOWN AS LSU SYSTEM PRESIDENT

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Statement from Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden on the announcement that Dr. William Jenkins will step down as LSU System President:

I was deeply disappointed to hear that Dr. William Jenkins will step down from his position as President of the LSU System. As a graduate of LSU, I have been extremely proud of the leadership he has provided the entire LSU system throughout his tenure. As a legislator and more recently as Mayor-President, it was my pleasure to support his work to build our Baton Rouge campuses to national prominence. In addition to the educational opportunities they provide, LSU, Pennington Biomedical Research Center and the LSU Hospital system are critically important to the economy of Baton Rouge and Dr. Jenkins has provided us with ethical, visionary leadership.

Through difficult times, changes in elected and appointment leadership throughout the state, Bill Jenkins has been the steadfast captain of the LSU ship � always steering us forward through rough seas and helping us soar through calm waters. He and his wife Peggy have represented us all with distinction.

He has my sincere thanks for his service to my university and our city-parish. I wish him well in his new role at LSU.

His leadership will be missed. His vision and grace will be his legacy as LSU President.

MAYOR- PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES LAKES RESTORATION STUDY UNDERWAY

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

BATON ROUGE � The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has initiated a study to determine the feasibility of restoring the aquatic ecosystem of the six lakes in and adjacent to the LSU campus.

The feasibility study will focus on measures to improve water quality and increase aquatic ecosystem habitat. Measures to be addressed may include deepening the lakes through dredging. The dredging materials will be considered for use in creating additional aquatic habitat in the form of wetlands and islands. Other uses may include shoreline stabilization and provision of the foundations for green space for recreational activities.

Feasibility will depend on whether a plan can be developed with sufficient aquatic ecosystem benefits to justify the total project costs.

The Corps is beginning the feasibility study by conducting field surveys and collecting boring samples. Survey crews and soil sample crews will be operating in and around the lakes system over the next few months. Once the data is collected, the Corps will begin modeling and plan formulation.

Funding for the study was secured through the efforts of Congressman Richard Baker. The study is being performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District at the request of East Baton Rouge Parish in coordination with LSU and BREC.

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Emergency Assistance for families affected by Hurricane Katrina

Thu, 27 Oct 2005 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The Office of Social Services is offering the following emergency assistance to families affected by Hurricane Katrina. This assistance includes reimbursement cost associated with Temporary Shelter or Housing such as:

� Hotel Invoices

� Sheltering Charges (cost for living with family/friends)

� Apartment Deposits

� Utilities Deposits (electricity)

� Reimbursement/Repairs to generator, air conditions, fans

vvvvvvv

In accordance with the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency individuals/ families may be eligible for additional LIHEAP Crisis Assistance:

� Incomes at or below 60 of the statewide median income, adjusted for family size

Applicant must provide picture ID, social security card, documentation of temporary housing and/or energy related expenses.

Nondiscrimination Section 2606 of Public Law 97-35 provides that no person shall be denied benefits or excluded form participation on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex. Applicants are also protected under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Parish Attorney to Provide Free Legal Assistance to Hurricane Victims

Tue, 18 Oct 2005 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Beginning tomorrow, citizens and visitors to East Baton Rouge Parish can receive free legal assistance from the East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney�s Office by calling a special hotline number.

Parish Attorney E. Wade Shows and Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden announced the hotline today as a means of providing continuing service for citizens and evacuees who are still facing hurricane related legal problems.

�Your Parish Attorney�s Office is here to assist in getting answers to legal problems you may be facing in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,� Shows said. �Many people are still faced with legal problems they never dreamed they would have to deal with and don�t know who to call. We are here to help and give the guidance you need.�

Holden pointed out that citizens and evacuees continue to grapple with legal questions surrounding issues like debt payments, tenant rights and child support and many have no place to turn. �This is a great service the Parish Attorney�s staff is providing,� Holden said. �We have many people in our parish trying to restore their families and get back to work. The Parish Attorney�s staff can provide a valuable link to those families who need answers and direction in order to recover. Mr. Shows and his staff will make a difference in many lives, and I appreciate their compassion and willingness to help.�

�If we don�t have the answer, we will find the answer,� Shows said. His office will staff the hotline, 389-7607, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Red Cross Announces Financial Assistance Phone Number for BR & Surrounding Area Residents

Mon, 03 Oct 2005 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Residents that live in the Baton Rouge region, which includes the following parishes listed below, may apply for Red Cross emergency financial assistance if they have sustained major (or above) structural damage to their home (which displaced them from their home due to the damage). Claims for financial assistance may be made by calling (225) 757-3757; damage will be verified before financial assistance is rendered. These parishes include East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana parishes.

Please note, the number is a local/225 #; we are told that some media have distributed this as an 800# which has made a small business owner inundated with phone calls requesting for our volunteers to come to assess their damages.