Bush Says Katrina Recovery Just Starting

President Bush meets a group of soldiers after landing at Kessler Air Force base on Monday, Aug. 28, 2006 in Biloxi, Miss. President Bush on Monday marked the anniversary of the hurricane that still haunts his presidency with worries that a new tropical storm could bring the first test of his promise that the botched post-Katrina response will not be repeated. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci - AP)

BILOXI, Miss. -- President Bush said Monday the huge job of rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina was just beginning a year after the massive storm but expressed hope that the $110 billion of help sent from Washington would be enough.

Trying to erase the black mark left on his presidency by the administration's sluggish response to Katrina, Bush returned to the first scene he saw a year ago of the storm's devastation.

Standing on a vacant lot in a working class neighborhood where trailers and gutted buildings stand next to newly built homes, Bush pledged the federal government would stand with the region as it rebuilds. It's a promise viewed with skepticism by victims still reeling from the storm.

"A year ago, I committed our federal government to help you," Bush said. "I said, `We have a duty to help the local people recover and rebuild,' and I meant what I said."

Of the $110 billion in hurricane aid approved by Congress, just $44 billion has been spent. Overall, the administration has released $77 billion to the states, reserving the rest for future needs.

"Hopefully that'll work. Hopefully that's enough," Bush said after visiting a company that has restarted its business of building and repairing boats. "It's certainly enough to get us through the next period of time."

Bush focused on the positive, but acknowledged that much remains to be done.

"It's an anniversary, but it's not an end," Bush said. "Frankly it's just the beginning."

Asked how long the rebuilding would take, Bush said: "I would say years, not months. On the other hand, the progress in one year's time has been remarkable."

The welcome Bush received in Biloxi was warmer than the one he is expected to get in Louisiana, where recovery efforts have moved much more slowly. The president ended the day in New Orleans, dining at Mother's Restaurant, a local institution known for its po'boys and red beans and rice, with Mayor Ray Nagin, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco and other local leaders.

Bush and his guests weren't the restaurant's only famous patrons. Actor Rob Lowe was eating there with his family, and expounded on the city's great need. He took a cut in pay for his latest TV movie, "A Perfect Day," so it could be filmed in New Orleans and bring business to the area.

"It's devastating," Lowe said of the conditions in the worst-hit, poorest parts of the city, which he toured the day before. "It's so sad."