Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would allocate approximately $2.4 million for the City of Natchez to rebuild the Canal Street Bridge. The city’s congressional lobbyist said the proposal is still early in the process and must pass additional steps in both the U.S. House and Senate before it can be sent to the President for consideration.
Louisiana has formed a new ATV-UTV safety task force that brings together law enforcement, education, and healthcare representatives to address youth injuries and fatalities related to off-road vehicles. According to the New Orleans Regional Safety Commission, the state averages between eight and twelve ATV and UTV-related fatalities each year, with children ages 10 to 14 representing the largest group of injured youth. The task force plans to promote safety education, raise awareness, and support policy changes aimed at reducing these incidents.
Mississippi residents impacted by January’s winter storm have until the end of today to apply for financial assistance. More than 84,000 residents have registered for help. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reports that over $126 million has been distributed through FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. In addition, 29 loans totaling $40 million have been issued through a state revolving loan program to assist counties and municipalities with cleanup and debris removal costs while they await FEMA reimbursement.
Louisiana duck hunters will have access to a new experimental season for black-bellied whistling ducks beginning this year. The season is set for October 3 through October 11 and is limited to the harvest of that species only. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the special season has been under discussion for several years and will be offered for the next four years, starting annually on the first Saturday in October.
The Mississippi River at Natchez stands at 38.99 feet and is falling.
