New Orleans – President Bush acknowledged Thursday that the people of the Gulf Coast are angered by the slow pace of recovery from Hurricane Katrina, and he promised to help pick up the pace.
“I fully understand that there are frustrations, and I want to know the frustrations,” Bush said while sitting down to lunch with city leaders. “To the extent we can help, we’ll help.”
In his first visit to the region in six months, Bush sought to fight the perception that he has forgotten about those hard-hit by the August 2005 storm. Much of the city outside the tourist areas remains in ruins.
The administration’s initial response to the most destructive natural disaster in U.S. history was widely seen as a failure.
The White House has since sought to reassure residents – and the nation – that it is committed to recovery. Still, the president is dogged by criticism.
The White House says Bush has helped make $110 billion in aid available for rebuilding, education and rental assistance. Bush’s aides say Cabinet officials have visited the region dozens of times and that state and local leaders must share responsibility for delays.
