FEMA Provides Funds To Rebuild Grand Isle's Fishing Pier 

Release Date: August 23, 2007
Release Number: 1603-687

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Grand Isle Pier served as a free fishing pier until Hurricane Katrina's storm surge destroyed it. The disused bridge in Jefferson Parish will once again become home to some of the state's best fishing.

FEMA funds will pay to rebuild the fishing pier, which will be constructed of concrete. The new pier will also be handicap accessible, an amenity that old pier did not possess. Construction should be complete in 18 to 24 months. The relics of the old wooden pier will be removed.

The pier has been a favorite fishing spot for both the Grand Isle community and tourists. The area's warm Gulf of Mexico waters are home to about 280 species of fish.

"I'm honored to have FEMA come in and save our fishing pier," Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle said. "The fishing is great all year. I've seen that bridge packed on both sides. It's a monument."

FEMA has obligated more than $797,000 to reconstruct the pier. To date, FEMA has funded a total of $10.5 million toward projects in Grand Isle.

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 Town of Grand Isle, 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: Thursday, 23-Aug-2007 08:24:22