“The Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund continues to focus on providing long-term relief and rebuilding resources to help the people of the Gulf Region reestablish their lives and livelihoods, by providing the grants and funding that people need to move forward fairly, quickly, and with integrity. “
“Our grants are already at work in the region and making an impact in the Gulf. In just six months we’ve awarded $65.2 million or just over half of the available funds, putting us on track to complete our work by years end as we announced late last year.”
The areas where The Fund’s money is working include
· $30 million has been allocated to 33 institutions of higher education including universities, colleges, community colleges and technical training institutions. Twenty million of that has been awarded with the remaining $10 million being awarded now in a second round of grants.
· $40 million to recovery funds set up by the governors of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to fill unmet needs in their states. Of this amount, $27.6 million has been awarded with the remaining to be awarded this summer and fall.
· Approximately $15.8 million to community-based projects focused on health, housing, community and infrastructure needs with $20 million to be awarded by the end of the year.
· $20 million has been allocated to religious organizations through the region with $1.5 million having been awarded and the remainder to go out this summer.
“The work of the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund Interfaith Advisory Committee has been invaluable and their work will continue to be a critical part of our ongoing efforts to help faith communities in need in the Gulf Region. We respect the concerns of the ministers and share their desire for our actions to work as well as possible for the churches and congregations in need.”
“In the best interests of the mission of The Fund to help the people of the Gulf region rebuild their lives, Mary Ann Wyrsch has today submitted her resignation as Executive Director of the Fund. We thank Mary Ann for her dedicated service. During her tenure at the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, tens of thousands of people affected by Hurricane Katrina were helped.”
“Constance Berry Newman will assume the role of Executive Director immediately. Connie has a long career of public service in two administrations. She most recently served as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and is currently at the Carmen Group. In role as the Executive Director, Connie will continue the work of the Fund to meet the needs of the people and institutions in the Gulf who had their lives shattered by Hurricane Katrina. We look forward to working with Connie, who will also continue in her capacity at the Carmen Group as Special Counsel for African Affairs.”
