SIMPSON–Governor Bobby Jindal awarded more than $135,000 in grants to Vernon Parish Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Simpson.
Jindal's stop in Simpson was part of his Louisiana Working Tour. The grants, awarded through a competitive process, are to help maintain critical water infrastructure, the governor said. Jindal also spoke to the crowd, which spilled out of the town hall onto the parking lot as residents crowded in to hear, about the state, and the nation's, economy.
The governor's remarks, while optimistic, were also practical, as he honed in on traditional economic values. 
"What a crazy idea," he said with a touch of sarcasm. "If you can't afford something, don't buy it ... We shouldn't value ourselves by the stuff we have."
The governor specifically emphasized the need for Washington to stop raising taxes, stop over spending and stop borrowing.
Jindal also touched on the state'ss labor force, saying that securing more jobs is the most important issue facing the state and that the state's resources, including oil and gas, rail lines and the fishing industry, make it "blessed," instead of "poor" which is an image that many have of Louisiana. Along with creating jobs, developing the workforce into educated, skilled and productive workers is another top priority.
Despite  the national economic downturn, Louisiana's economy was recently rated the best in the south. In addition, housing prices in the state jumped by 3 percent when the nation's fell by 10 percent.
For the second year in a row, according to the U.S. Census, the state has experienced population in-migration, Jindal said.
During his visit, Governor Jindal awarded eight Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF) grants totaling $135,714.
The Vernon Parish Police Jury received a $35,000 grant to make repairs to the water system head tank; $10,000 to acidize and repair a well; $10,000 to make equipment repairs; and $10,000 to refurbish a storage tank and purchase new valves.
The City of Leesville received a $20,000 grant to install isolation valves within the water system.
     The Town of New Llano received an $18,903 grant to purchase water lines and meters.
    The Town of Rosepine received a $16,811 grant to install a control system for the water system.
   The Town of Hornbeck received a $15,000 grant to install water lines.
 The Community Water Enrichment Fund was established in the 2008 Louisiana regular legislative session to ensure safe and clean drinking water. The CWEF aids units of local government solely for the purpose of rehabilitation, improvement, and construction projects for community water systems.
Jindal spent time after his speech visiting with residents and taking photos.