Louisiana Spends $10.5 Million to Keep Guard Through June

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a new spending plan that will see the state shell out $10.5 million to keep Louisiana National Guard troops in New Orleans through June to help fight crime.

The Associated Press’ Melinda Deslatte is reporting that the funds are earmarked for the 360 soldiers patrolling New Orleans neighborhoods. Late last year, the state withdrew its final state police officers in the city.

The new plans mean Louisiana has spent more than $56 million on Guard and state police troops since Hurricane Katrina. The new funding will cover expenses until June 30.

“The money was taken from a state emergency response fund and covers salaries, hotel expenses, equipment and other costs,” Deslatte says. However, she says the state will need more money to pay for an expected three-month phase-out set to begin in July.

Barry Dusse, with the governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, told Deslatte the Guard will stay until no later than September.