FEMA Funds Hazard Mitigation Plan for Audubon Commission 

Release Date: July 18, 2007
Release Number: 1603-662

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- A recently approved grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help the state of Louisiana and the Audubon Commission develop a hazard mitigation plan that will ensure the facilities in New Orleans are better protected against future storms, hurricanes or other potential disasters. The plan will consider effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as risks associated with dam or levee failure.

Funding from this $49,155 Hazard Mitigation grant is earmarked to develop a hazard mitigation plan compliant with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). DMA, which was established by Congress, emphasizes the need for states and communities to prepare for possible disasters by developing hazard mitigation plans for existing and future buildings.

"Audubon is grateful for this grant and believes it will help us to better protect our staff, animals and facilities in the future," said Dale Stastny, chief operating officer at Audubon Nature Institute.

The Audubon Commission operates 11 facilities within New Orleans dedicated to the wonders of nature. Three of the facilities, the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Entergy IMAX Theatre, draw over two million visitors to New Orleans each year. With more than 500 full- and part-time workers, the facilities continue to provide a relaxing and educational setting for local families and regional and national visitors.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration, to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. 

Last Modified: Wednesday, 18-Jul-2007 07:49:07