WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal asked FEMA today to expedite a disaster declaration after statewide flooding last month.

Jindal sent a letter requesting the declaration to the federal government, saying Louisiana saw more than $6.5 million in damage from the widespread floods between Jan. 8 and 17.

The governor said without federal assistance, repairs to public infrastructure, homes and businesses would either be delayed or not possible because of shortfalls in the state budget.

Jindal said some the damaged infrastructure included 20 roads in Catahoula Parish, a private psychiatric hospital in Evangeline Parish which had to close after getting two feet of water, and the sewage system for the town of Washington in St. Landry Parish.

Emergency officials said 18 parishes declared states of emergency during the flooding, including East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston and St. Helena parishes.