More than $1 billion in Louisiana flood recovery funds released by federal government

More than $1.2 billion to help flood victims was awarded Friday by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, HUD Secretary Julián Castro announced.

With the $437.8 million already allocated, Louisiana is in line to receive $1.65 billion for recovery from the historic flooding of March and August. But it'll still be spring before the money actually will be available to spend in Louisiana. The state must first have its plan for how the money will be spent approved by federal authorities.

But Castro's announcement marks a crucial step in the process.

“Our team worked quickly to make sure these funds reach the communities most impacted by a major disaster this year.” Castro said in a press release. “We’ll do everything we can to support the people and places still struggling to rebuild.”

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