Public Assistance Helps Communities After Disasters 

Release Date: December 20, 2006
Release Number: 1668-045

» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide a helping hand to communities, parish and state agencies, and some private nonprofit organizations that were damaged by the severe storms and flooding that occurred in Louisiana between Oct. 16 and Nov.8. 

Disasters threaten more than homes. Bridges can be damaged or destroyed along with highways, public buildings, parks and water treatment plants. Tons of debris can accumulate, or communications and emergency services can be disrupted.

"It is just as important for public agencies to apply for assistance, as it is for individual applicants," said Neal Fudge, deputy state coordinating officer.  "This federal program provides financial assistance that is vital to the recovery process."

Under the presidential disaster declaration of Nov. 2, 2006 Public Assistance is available to local governments in 17 parishes. To date, 54 communities, private non-profits and state agencies have filed Requests for Public Assistance to initiate a disaster claim.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), which administers the Public Assistance Program has briefed local officials on the assistance available and how to apply. Community officials who wish to file a Request for Public Assistance may visit Louisiana's Public Assistance Web site at www.louisianapa.com or call 318-619-3141 to receive information about the process.

"By helping local and state governments and looking for ways to reduce future damages, federal disaster assistance has an impact on every individual in those communities," said Dr. Richard Hinrichs, deputy federal coordinating officer.

Federal, state and local teams have already started to inspect all disaster-related damage, examine expenses identified by the state or local representatives, and prepare reports that outline the scope of repair work needed and the estimated restoration cost.

For projects that are approved, FEMA will pay no less than 75 percent of the cost. These projects typically include debris removal, emergency services related to the flooding, and repairing or replacing damaged public facilities. The latter category includes schools, libraries and other public buildings, repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, utilities and recreational facilities.

Nonprofit organizations may qualify for assistance to restore certain types of facilities that include educational, utility, emergency, medical, custodial care and other facilities that provide essential government types of services.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.  FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 20-Dec-2006 15:37:21