More Louisiana Parishes Get Expanded Infrastructure Aid 

Release Date: October 7, 2005
Release Number: 1603-069

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BATON ROUGE, La. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with Louisiana officials, announced added federal assistance headed to parishes affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Disaster assistance for Evangeline, Sabine, St. Landry, Vernon , De Soto , Natchitoches and Rapides Parishes has been expanded to help local governments rebuild public property damaged by Hurricane Rita. In addition to 100 percent reimbursement for eligible costs for emergency services and debris removal, these parishes are now eligible for all remaining categories of assistance under FEMA's Public Assistance Program. Parishes may now apply to receive funds to help restore vital public and certain non-profit infrastructure such as roads, buildings, bridges and utilities. Federal funding for these projects will cover 75 percent of reimbursable costs. The remaining 25 percent of costs will be paid by state and local governments.

Federal, state and local officials announced the parishes were added after further federal/state damage assessments. Procedures for requesting the assistance will be explained at a series of briefings for local officials at a location to be announced shortly by state and federal disaster officials. 

Federal and state officials also announced that under the Hurricane Katrina disaster declaration, all parishes in Louisiana are now eligible to apply for hazard mitigation. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, administered by FEMA, provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term measures that will reduce the loss of life and property in future disasters.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 11-Oct-2005 08:29:42