Here's where Governor Blanco requested help from the Federal government because the state and other local resources were not sufficient to address the need...

"Pursuant to 44 CFR � 206.35, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and that supplementary Federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster. I am specifically requesting emergency protective measures, direct Federal Assistance, Individual and Household Program (IHP) assistance, Special Needs Program assistance, and debris removal."

http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:VMYPiVPGMB4J:gov.louisiana.gov/Press_Release_detail.asp%3Fid%3D976+governor+of+louisiana+asks