This morning rural water implemented a regional response approach to assist the Louisiana Rural Water Association in its assistance to rural and small systems impacted by Hurricane Gustav. Trailers carrying generators and seasoned emergency response field technicians departed Lonoke, Ark. to report to Kinder, La., the headquarters for LRWA.  From there, each of the Arkansas Rural Water Field Staff will be matched up with a Louisiana Rural Water staff member who knows the system personnel and the systems operations.  This pairing doubles the area that can be covered while capitalizing on the familiarity and rapport established by local field staff.
      Other states are ready to respond as needed to assist Louisiana.  The Florida Rural Water Association, while keeping some equipment in reserve as the next Hurricane approaches their shore, is prepared to send seven generators and pumps to the area if needed.  The Alabama Rural Water Association has equipment and personnel ready if needed and the Mississippi Rural Water Association will also dispatch equipment and personnel to assist after their local systems are back in operation. 
     “Lessons learned from Katrina are guiding the level and timing of the response,” said Pat Credeur, LRWA Executive Director. “While equipment and personnel from state associations across the country are ready, there is more to consider than just showing up, such housing and handling the needs of the responders to ensure their safety and well being.”
      As needs are assessed and areas are opened up to entry the level of response will be increased with people and equipment from State Rural Water Associations in Texas, Georgia, Florida and Alabama will be called upon.   If needs are greater, other states will also be called upon to assist in the recovery effort. 
      Louisiana Rural Water is part of the Louisiana WARN system and works closely with Rural Development, other responders, the state agencies and EPA in meeting the recovery effort of rural areas.   

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