Sen. Cassidy Tours Ida Damage, Discusses Flood Insurance in New Orleans Area

METAIRIE, Louisiana, Nov. 6 -- Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release on Nov. 5, 2021:

This afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) toured the offices and training facilities of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) New Orleans/Bayou Chapter in St. Rose. The chapter sustained serious damage from Hurricane Ida, primarily to their administrative offices. However, within one month of Hurricane Ida's landfall, they were able to start training workers again.

"Toured the damage to the Association of Builders and Contractors home office with the ABC board," said Dr. Cassidy. "Kudos to ABC. Despite Hurricane Ida damage, they are still training tomorrow's workforce. We spoke how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package positions our state for a better future."

Cassidy also discussed with chapter members issues relevant to their businesses and industry, including recovery from Hurricane Ida and their opposition to the PRO Act.

"Like many in South Louisiana, our offices and training facilities were damaged by Hurricane Ida," said Mr. Jeb Bruneau, President and CEO of the ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter. "Thankfully, Senator Cassidy cares not only about our needs, but most importantly, the needs of those we serve. We are grateful for his efforts to help our industry and the ABC New Orleans/Bayou Chapter recover.

Earlier, Senator Cassidy addressed the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, where he discussed his opposition to Risk Rating 2.0 and his bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

"This isn't just a Louisiana issue. Risk Rating 2.0 will affect everyone living on America's coasts," said Dr. Cassidy. "Flood insurance must be available and affordable, now and in the future."

Cassidy was joined by Mr. Michael Hecht, a member of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance and President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.

"We are appreciative of Senator Cassidy's leadership on ensuring the sustainability of the NFIP," said Mr. Hecht. Today's discussion addressed issues such as affordability, in light of Risk Rating 2.0, and its impact on families and businesses, as well as ongoing participation in the program. We look forward to working with Senator Cassidy and our partners across the nation to create a more equitable and accessible National Flood Insurance Program."