The Bush administration is requesting an additional $4.2 billion in federal aid to Louisiana, to help the state deal with housing problems in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The proposed funding, announced Feb. 15 by Donald E. Powell, Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, would be in the form of Community Development Block Grants.

The Office of Management and Budget was to submit the request to Congress on Feb. 16. It would supplement $6.2 billion in block grants approved for Louisiana in December. The funds would have to be approved by congressional appropriators.

Powell said that the initial $6.2 billion helps repair hurricane damage and the new money would "protect against future disasters, not simply with repair of damaged housing and infrastructure, but also through hazard mitigation measures."

He added, "We believe that these funds will meet the permanent housing needs of the state so that its residents can return and get back on their feet, not only with a roof over their heads, but with a safe one."