Katrina rebuilding will take longer, Bush says

WASHINGTON – President Bush on Wednesday reassured struggling victims of Hurricane Katrina that he has not forgotten them but warned that recovery will not be achieved by the anniversary of the devastating storm.

“It’s a time to remember that people suffered, and it’s a time to recommit ourselves to helping them,” Bush said after meeting in the Oval Office with Rockey Vaccarella, who lost his home to Katrina. “But I also want people to remember that a one-year anniversary is just that, because it’s going to require a long time to help these people rebuild.”

The president discussed Katrina with Vaccarella, 41, of Mereaux, La., who has been traveling the United States, making a documentary about his road to recovery as he and his family live in a FEMA trailer.

The administration’s Gulf Coast recovery coordinator, Donald E. Powell, said during a White House briefing Tuesday that since Katrina slammed into Louisiana and Mississippi on Aug. 29 only $44 billion of the $110 billion in federal money earmarked for rebuilding the region has been spent.

“I have a sense of frustration. I have a sense of urgency all the time,” Powell said. Federal funds have begun to reach Mississippi homeowners, he said, but Louisiana has delayed its plans for distribution.

Vaccarella seemed to enjoy his “Forrest Gump” moment.

“You know, it’s really amazing when a small man like me from St. Bernard Parish can meet the president of the United States,” he said. “The president is a people person. I knew that from the beginning.”

Bush had equally kind words for his visitor.

“Rock is a plainspoken guy. He’s the kind of fellow I feel comfortable talking to,” said the president. “I told him that I understand that there’s people down there that still need help. And I told him the federal government will work with the state and local authorities to get the help to them as quickly as possible.”

Later, White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said that when the invitation to meet with Bush was extended to Vaccarella, White House staffers did not know he was a Republican who had once run for local office. The exchange between the president and Vaccarella ended as if the two were enjoying a convivial evening in a neighborhood bar.

“You’re a good man, Rockey,” said Bush, slapping Vaccarella on the back.

“You are, too,” Vaccarella responded, slapping the president on the back in return. “Thanks a bunch.”

As he walked along the White House driveway, Vaccarella talked with reporters, urging other Katrina survivors to “get rolling” and see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty.

“We get knocked down, we get back up. We’re Americans,” he said. “We got hit. We just need to get back on our feet and get rolling.”