FEMA Approves Over Half Million Dollars In Planning Grants
Release Date: May 21, 2007
Release Number: 1603-639
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved funding to update existing hazard mitigation plans for the city of Covington and four Louisiana parishes - Plaquemines, Washington, Vermilion and Terrebonne.
The more than half a million dollars in grant monies comes from FEMA's Expanded Mitigation Strategies Planning Grant Pilot. The program allows jurisdictions with FEMA-approved local hazard mitigation plans in place by Oct. 29, 2006, to apply for up to $150,000 to update their local mitigation plans. These updates will reduce the potential loss of life and property in future disasters. After submitting proposed updates, the city of Covington and the four parishes qualified for grants worth $112,500 each.
The city of Covington will strengthen its current hazard mitigation plan by analyzing projects that arose after hurricanes Katrina and Rita and any subsequent hazard events. Updates to the plan include adding a list of properties with flood and drainage problems or severe repetitive loss. The city will also identify critical facilities in need of hardening and/or elevation.
"Our current plan was finalized in the wake and frenzy of Hurricane Katrina," said Covington Mayor Candace Watkins. "This grant gives us a second chance to go back and focus on amending the plan to fit our needs, after having experienced the type of disaster we hope to mitigate. We are very pleased to have this funding."
Three parishes, Plaquemines, Terrebonne and Vermilion, have earmarked funds to scope out hazard mitigation projects as well. Along with focusing on projects resulting from the effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, these parishes are taking into consideration the Advisory Base Flood Elevations, levee condition data, base mapping for flood prone areas and coastal erosion photography.
"Plaquemines is unique because it runs along both sides of the Mississippi River," said Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser. "This funding will help identify projects to reduce the potential for losses. Because we stick out into the gulf we have lots of challenges to deal with."
Terrebonne Parish President Don Schwab appreciates FEMA’s ongoing support to help his parish recover and rebuild.
"The catastrophic storm events of 2005 heightened our awareness of the need to consistently maintain effective mitigation strategies by which the parish can identify and prioritize projects to reduce the potential for repetitive losses," said Schwab. "The awarding of this grant to our parish will serve to facilitate our on-going efforts to reduce our vulnerability to natural hazards in a planned and cost-effective manner."
Vermilion Parish President Luther Hardee III looks forward to utilizing the funding to strengthen his parish’s mitigation plan.
"Vermilion Parish appreciates the grant monies to update its existing hazard mitigation plan," said Hardee. "The funding will allow us the opportunity to identify areas in need of mitigation measures to reduce damages from future disasters."
To update its current hazard mitigation plan, Washington Parish will assess implications of future scenarios relative to potential risk factors, as well as develop recommendations for mitigation efforts.
"Washington Parish completed its existing hazard mitigation plan in 2004, long before we knew what the effects of a catastrophic storm such as Katrina would be," said Washington Parish President M. E. "Toye" Taylor. "Having lived through this event, we feel better prepared to make decisions on mitigation strategies for our future. The Pilot Planning Grant will provide the necessary funding to outline a path forward to a safer Washington Parish."
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: Monday, 21-May-2007 14:15:20