FEMA Assists In Restoring Historical Old U.S. Mint 

Release Date: October 16, 2007
Release Number: 1603-735

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- A National Historic Landmark that serves as a principal archive of Louisiana historical artifacts will soon be restored thanks in part to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Old U.S. Mint, which houses the Louisiana State Museum, sustained damages to its copper roof and interior on Aug. 29, 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. The French Quarter building underwent repairs, which FEMA has partly funded, starting in May 2006. Repairs are expected to be finished this month. 

The building, built in 1835, previously served as a mint for both the United States and Confederate governments. Since 1981, it has been a museum to Louisiana historical exhibits, including ones on jazz, Newcomb pottery and records dating from the French and Spanish colonial eras. It is a major draw to the city's tourism industry.

"The economic impact is pretty strong," the museum's Deputy Director Robert Wheat said.

This economic impact has been stifled because the museum has been closed to the public since the hurricane while repairs are being done. Exhibits and artifacts have been stored in Baton Rouge for safekeeping. The museum will reopen this month.

"FEMA has been wonderful so far," he said. "They worked well with us."

FEMA has obligated more than $2 million to make the necessary repairs to the Old U.S. Mint. Much of the interior needed repairs as rainwater intruded through the copper roof.

When projects are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a Smartlink account. This allows the applicant, in this case the state of Louisiana which owns the Old U.S. Mint, to work with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as quickly as possible to access the reimbursement monies. The state may require additional documentation from the applicant before disbursing the funds. Obligated funds may change over time as the project worksheet is a living grant that is often adjusted as bids come in and scope of work is aligned.

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 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: Tuesday, 16-Oct-2007 09:46:50