The skies over the U.S. Gulf Coast are clearing up and, according to U.S. President George W. Bush, so are the eyes of the people affected and those whose committed assistance and optimism have helped the storm-ravaged states get on track to recovery.

|TOP|"I can remember coming here, the times I came, and looked hard in people's eyes and saw a sense of desperation and worry and deep, deep concern about the future,” Bush said Thursday during his visit to Mississippi. “I'm sure there is still concern about the future, but the eyes have cleared up. There's a sense of optimism. There's a hope, there's a little bounce in people's step."

The President’s visit to the still-ravaged U.S. Gulf Coast came three months after his last visit and as part of a series of events to showcase his priorities leading up to the State of the Union address. He said he was committed to rebuilding communities devastated from Hurricane Katrina.

"I'm here to report to you some of the progress made and to let you know that people in faraway places like Washington, D.C., still hear you and care about you," Bush told survivors gathered at St. Stanislaus College, just a couple of blocks from where Hurricane Katrina blew ashore.

Of the $85 billion granted by the federal government to help rebuild the marred coast, $25 billion has been spent, according to Bush. The number of evacuees living in hotel rooms has reduced significantly down to 25,000 from some 80,000; and an estimated 15 million cubic yards of debris remain.

|QUOTE|Despite the "rough spots," Bush reported progress and plotted out plans as he assured the people of a "better life."

"We're not just going to survive, but thrive," he said. "By that I meant, it's one thing to kind of ride it out; it's another thing to take out of the harm that came, convert this into a better life. I said we're not just going to cope, but we'll overcome.

"I meant what I said."

Current plans include repairing homes and rebuilding federal facilities to equip people with the necessary skills for jobs. Along with federal assistance, Bush highlighted the compassion that the storm victims have found in churches, synagogues, community centers and private homes.

|AD|In a report released Jan. 11 by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour on the recovery, rebuilding, and renewal for Mississippi, he singled out the commitment of churches and faith-based groups that continues to reveal itself today.

"Katrina, the worst natural disaster ever to hit America, appropriately generated the greatest outpouring of philanthropy and assistance in our country's history. And that generosity has made a huge difference in our relief and recovery," Barbour stated.

As he recognized small businesses and American citizens in his list of those who offered their generosity, Barbour said, "But I must single out the churches and faith-based groups, who were there on day one and are still there in meaningful numbers today.

"Theirs were the most powerful and productive efforts, and I must say hundreds of those volunteers – Protestants, Catholics, Jews and believers of other faiths – told me that by God's grace they feel they got more out of their mission than the people they were helping.

"What a great blessing these groups, churches, and volunteers have been."

Speaking along similar lines, Bush highlighted the continuous unbroken spirit of the people in the long journey toward recovery.

"And so we've done a lot and there's a lot more to do, but there's a certain optimism and hope that's coming."