By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
Advocate Capitol News Bureau
Published: Sep 4, 2009 - Page: 5A

WHITE CASTLE — Gov. Bobby Jindal visited Iberville Parish Thursday to deliver money for storm projects and infrastructure improvements.

Jindal largely focused on his administration’s economic development efforts. However, he also touched on the national financial crisis.

The governor presented a check for $48.7 million during an Iberville Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Nottoway Plantation.

Most of the $48.7 million — about $48.6 million — is federal funds for storm recovery and protection projects.

The rest of the money stems from a state grant program that helps local governments with infrastructure projects and capital improvements.

The $154,655 will be divvied up five ways:

• $40,000 to the city of Plaquemine to repair an activity center.
• $20,000 to Rosedale for drainage improvements.
• $30,000 to Maringouin to fix gas infrastructure.
• $25,000 to Grosse Tete for new water mains.
• $39,655 to the Iberville Parish Council for drainage improvements.

Like other stops on his “Louisiana Working Tour,” the governor’s visit included a surfboard-sized check that he signed for the audience’s benefit.

“You may notice, the check’s not signed,” he joked. “Don’t worry. I’m going to sign it.”

Jindal is visiting every parish in the state to talk about economic development and to honor military veterans.

He was warmly greeted at Nottoway, garnering a standing ovation from the business crowd. The governor talked for more than an hour while the audience lunched on couscous and chicken in the plantation’s recently renovated Randolph Hall.

Jindal said his top priority is to create more jobs in Louisiana.

As part of that focus, the governor said, he pushed changes in the state’s ethics laws, the acceleration of business tax phase-outs and an emphasis on workforce development.

“I hate it when people tell you this is a poor state … We’re not a poor state. We’re a blessed state,” Jindal said.

He said the state’s best asset is its people.

Jindal characterized the state’s economy as vibrant and said he is committed to cutting spending rather than raising taxes to get through the financial downturn.

He said he supports the flagship agenda at LSU and wants to expand the opportunity for people to attend the state’s community and technical colleges.

Jindal dismissed suggestions that the U.S. is in danger of declining as a world superpower.

However, he criticized the federal government’s debt.

Jindal said two things can be done to grow the national economy:

• Break an addiction to debt by forcing the federal government to stop spending more money than is taken in.
• Move away from a possession-obsessed society.

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