VILLE PLATTE, La. (KPEL) -- Gov. Bobby Jindal announced in Ville Platte Friday that $1.2 million in grants will be used to fund 14 generators in Evangeline Parish.

According to the governor, the generators will allow communities in the parish to better prepare for emergencies and will "allow access to key utility services during storms."

“Today’s announcement is great news for Evangeline Parish," Jindal said.

"Communities here were without power for up to five days after Hurricane Gustav, leaving our people without critical public utilities and services. These new generators will give parish officials the ability to respond faster and keep utilities up and running in the event of a future disaster."

The generators have been placed at key positions throughout the parish that include the parish health unit in Ville Platte; the Chatagnier Fire Station; lift stations in Chatagnier, Mamou, and Basile; sewer treatment plants in Ville Platte and Pine Prairie; and at the largest well in Turkey Creek.

Jindal made the announcement as part of his statewide tour.

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