Millions In FEMA Assistance For Post-Katrina Plaquemines Parish Government Complex Project

Millions In FEMA Assistance For Post-Katrina Plaquemines Parish Government Complex Project 

Release Date: July 5, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 980

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NEW ORLEANS –The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced more than $5.5 million in consolidated funding to Plaquemines Parish for their proposed, post-Katrina government complex project.

“In support of their recovery endeavors, Plaquemines Parish has been approved to use eligible FEMA funding from 11 storm-damaged donor facilities toward their new government complex project,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Such flexibility within FEMA’s Public Assistance Program enables local communities to rebuild based on their post-disaster needs.”

Design plans for the post-Katrina project—which will be located in upper Plaquemines Parish in a reduced-risk flooding area, known as an “a-zone”— are currently underway. Plans are also in progress within Plaquemines Parish to expand the complex site even further, potentially developing it to include an emergency operations center, community recreational facilities and retail space.

“We would like to thank the FEMA team for working with us to fund the construction of the government complex. This will save Plaquemines Parish taxpayers money in the long run and place government operations in the safest part of the parish,” said Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser.

The Plaquemines Parish government complex project will provide office space for various local government departments. The pre-Katrina Plaquemines Parish government building will remain in Port Sulphur to provide additional space for government council offices, a polling place, record storage and a meeting place for lower Plaquemines Parish.

This pre-Katrina government building was not one of the 11 donor facilities in the new government complex project, which instead includes consolidated FEMA-funding previously allocated for facilities such as the District 1 Council Office, the Pointe a La Hache Old Jail and the “Buras Old Fire Station” Warehouse.

In total, FEMA has provided approximately $813.5 million for hurricanes Katrina and Rita recovery efforts throughout Plaquemines Parish.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Monday, 09-Jul-2012 10:50:32

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Millions In FEMA Assistance For Post-Katrina Plaquemines Parish Government Complex Project

FEMA Dollars Continue To Support Crucial Health Care Services In Southeast Louisiana

FEMA Dollars Continue To Support Crucial Health Care Services In Southeast Louisiana 

Release Date: June 15, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 978

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS –The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced $289,150 in Katrina-related recovery aid to the Metropolitan Human Services District, the lead Louisiana state agency charged with providing addiction, behavioral health and developmental disability service to citizens of Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes.

Pre-Katrina, the MHSD operated out of a facility owned by the Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control—the New Orleans Mental Health Center, located at 3100 General DeGaulle Drive in New Orleans.

In addition to FEMA’s recent funding for MHSD, FEMA previously obligated $1.3 million directly to FP&C for work necessary to restore the actual New Orleans Mental Health Center facility, which was damaged significantly during Katrina. As a result, MHSD had to move its service-oriented operation to temporary facilities in order to continue providing services.

“Our recent funding to the Metropolitan Human Services District reimburses the agency for costs associated with using temporary facilities, including trailer rentals and land leases, following Katrina,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Our assistance is significant because, through supporting Louisiana’s overall recovery, we are also supporting state efforts to offer vital public services, including mental health services, throughout Southeast Louisiana.”

The building of the new, post-Katrina New Orleans Mental Health Center is scheduled for completion at the end of this summer; and once it’s completed, MHSD plans to then move back into the facility at the same location as it was before Katrina.

“These FEMA funds help ensure that residents of New Orleans’ West Bank can have their needs met in an appropriate setting. The opening of this facility also contributes significantly to MHSD’s commitment to establish the first true continuum of care model for the communities we serve,” said Judge Calvin Johnson (ret.), Metropolitan Human Services District executive director.

To date, FEMA has obligated approximately $11.5 billion in public assistance funding for Katrina and Rita related recovery work throughout Louisiana.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Friday, 15-Jun-2012 10:31:00

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FEMA Dollars Continue To Support Crucial Health Care Services In Southeast Louisiana

New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-099

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — One major hurricane, which resulted in a federal disaster declaration, serves as reminder to New Mexicans that now’s the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

Reports show that New Mexico has had one storm that resulted in a federal declaration. It was an emergency declaration for Hurricane Katrina (2005) and resulted in the state receiving a more than $1 million in federal disaster aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

The state received an emergency declaration after Katrina impacted Louisiana. The funding was made available to reimburse New Mexico for its costs related to housing Katrina evacuees.

In addition to hurricane winds and rain, the season also brings threats of flooding and tornadoes which can and have impacted states that are not on the coast.

“The bottom line is that New Mexicans should be prepared for all hazards,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:48:33

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New Mexico ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now 

Release Date: May 30, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-097

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — One major hurricane and two tropical storms, which resulted in federal disaster declarations, serve as reminders to Arkansans that now is the time to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

The 2012 Hurricane Season begins on June 1, and while experts are predicting a slower season than in past years, most of the predictions still call for at least a normal amount of activity. The 50 year average is a little over 11 named storms, six of those becoming hurricanes and two becoming major ones – Category 3 or higher.

Reports show that Arkansas has had three storms that resulted in federal declarations. One was an emergency declaration for a hurricane and the other two for tropical storms that were downgraded from hurricanes by the time they moved into Arkansas.

The hurricane was Katrina (2005) and the tropical storms were Gustav and Ike (2008). All three occurred in the last decade and resulted in Arkansas receiving a total of $51.9 million in federal disaster aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

The state received an emergency declaration after Katrina impacted Louisiana. The funding was made available to reimburse Arkansas for its costs related to housing Katrina evacuees. Meanwhile, tropical storms Gustav and Ike brought inland flooding to Arkansas and caused major damage to its public infrastructure.

“These statistics more than demonstrate the need for all Arkansans to be prepared,” said Acting FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We say it often, but it’s the best way to get a clear message out there – Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Stay Informed.

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare.

Volunteering is one way to be prepared to help others. Use VolunteerMatch to locate local Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also visit www.citizencorps.gov for ways to help and be prepared.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-May-2012 10:52:09

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Arkansas ‘Hurricane Season’ History Demonstrates Need to Prepare Now

Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court 

Release Date: May 21, 2012
Release Number: 1603 – 975

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today approximately $103,000 in consolidated public assistance funding to the Louisiana Judicial System, helping the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in New Orleans replace contents damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

During the storm, floodwaters fully inundated the basement of the courthouse, located at 2700 Tulane Avenue within the city. Pre-Katrina, this area provided office space for various Orleans Parish Criminal District Court departments, including the Judicial Administration Office which handles administrative functions required for the court to operate.

“Katrina’s floodwaters stayed in the courthouse’s basement for approximately two weeks following the storm, damaging all contents within these offices,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Our recent grant assists with replacing damaged contents, helping Louisiana’s Judicial System fully recover from Hurricane Katrina as needed.”

Contents to be replaced with FEMA’s aid include computer equipment and two-way radios, as well as drug testing equipment.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-May-2012 10:34:01

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Louisiana’s Legal System Receives Recovery Aid From FEMA, Benefiting The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

St. Bernard’s Historic Courthouse Restored With FEMA Funding

St. Bernard’s Historic Courthouse Restored With FEMA Funding 

Release Date: April 17, 2012
Release Number: 1603-973

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – As repairs to St. Bernard Parish’s early 20th century courthouse near completion, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today $638,677 in additional funding for the Katrina-related restoration work.

This new funding brings the agency’s total monetary support to more than $7.5 million for the noteworthy project.

The historic courthouse, known as “St. Bernard’s Old Courthouse,” dates back to 1915 and served as the parish’s first courthouse until 1939. More recently, prior to Hurricane Katrina, St. Bernard Parish leased the courthouse facility to the local public school board for use as Beauregard Middle School. For this reason, the facility is also commonly referred to as the “Old Beauregard Middle School.”

Located on Bayou Road and Beauregard Lane in St. Bernard, the courthouse was flooded by an estimated 8 feet of water during Katrina, causing extensive damages to the historic facility. Nearly seven years later, it is now returning to the community after undergoing successful recovery measures.

“This landmark project, involving one of the parish’s most important historic buildings, is the result of the successful collaboration between the parish government, the state and FEMA’s public assistance and historic preservation groups,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan.
“In the end, the courthouse’s original and historic features will be repaired while returning the building’s functional, pre-Katrina use as an educational facility.”

“Since taking office on January 10, 2012, we have witnessed the exceptional, cooperative relationship fostered between FEMA and St. Bernard Parish. The Old Historic Courthouse is a perfect example of this relationship,” said St. Bernard Parish President David Peralta. “As this refurbished courthouse nears substantial completion, I would like to thank our local FEMA team for an outstanding job regarding their efforts to preserve this historic landmark, which allows the beautiful Old Beauregard Courthouse to return to its days of glory. This is FEMA at its finest.”

As with all federally funded recovery projects, FEMA ensures that efforts comply with federal environmental and historic preservation laws and Executive Orders.

“FEMA’s recovery grants not only enable new life for damaged facilities, but when applicable, also preserve history—as is the case with this project,” said Cadogan.

FEMA-funded work on the storm-damaged courthouse’s historical features includes the masonry walls; ornamental-stamped, copper cornice; and refurbishment of its original wood windows, wood floors and interior plasterwork.

To date, including this recent grant, FEMA has provided approximately $1.7 billion in public assistance funding for recovery work related to hurricanes Katrina and Rita throughout St. Bernard Parish.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Apr-2012 08:33:21

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St. Bernard’s Historic Courthouse Restored With FEMA Funding

Jefferson Parish Playgrounds Benefit From Flexible FEMA Grant

Jefferson Parish Playgrounds Benefit From Flexible FEMA Grant 

Release Date: April 6, 2012
Release Number: 1603-972

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today a consolidated grant totaling approximately $559,000 to Jefferson Parish for the replacement of playground contents damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

“This grant best supports Jefferson Parish’s efforts to restore an essential element of their recreational system—their playgrounds,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Our funding enables Jefferson Parish to pool together contents funding from all of their playground facilities and distribute it as best needed.”

Prior to this grant, FEMA funded these damages through nine separate project worksheets, all the result of “content assessments” across eight of Jefferson Parish’s damaged playgrounds and other facilities, including the Recreational Department’s East Bank Administration Building. The eight playgrounds include the Johnny Bright Playground, Terrytown Playground, Harvey Playground, Pontiff Playground, Girard Playground, Lakeshore Playground and Jefferson Playground.

FEMA’s recent grant, as requested by Jefferson Parish, will fund contents under the following six major categories—information technology, parks and recreational building equipment and supplies, athletic equipment and supplies, furnishings, office equipment and supplies, and kitchen equipment and supplies.

“Jefferson Parish is grateful for the assistance from FEMA, which will allow us to move forward in the ongoing recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Our playgrounds are an essential part of the quality of life our children and families enjoy in Jefferson Parish. This recent grant will ensure repairs and restoration at eight of our playgrounds so that our citizens can continue to benefit from these outstanding recreational facilities,” said Jefferson Parish President John Young.

In total, FEMA has provided approximately $529.8 million for recovery work throughout Jefferson Parish related to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, of which $50.8 million—including FEMA’s recent grant for playgrounds—was provided specifically for the restoration of recreational facilities within the parish.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Friday, 06-Apr-2012 11:42:22

Continued:

Jefferson Parish Playgrounds Benefit From Flexible FEMA Grant

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