Recovery Planning Self-Help Process Underway In Eight Parishes
Release Date: December 20, 2005
Release Number: 1603-240
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) have launched the "self-help" process and support for the program. This includes a detailed written guide and technical assistance for parishes affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This process has been successful in bringing communities together to focus on their long-term recovery issues, identifying resources that are available, and developing a long-term recovery plan to support local, state and federal initiatives.
The self-help process for long-term community recovery is being rolled out in eight parishes with the goal to provide communities with a framework for their recovery. These eight parishes were selected for the "self-help" process based on several factors including their ability to recover with less direct assistance than some of the most severely affected parishes. Acadia, Sabine, St. John the Baptist and St. Martin parishes have begun the process with Lafayette, Assumption, Terrebonne and St. James parishes to launch by Dec. 23.
"We'll work with local leadership and residents, the LRA and other state and federal agencies over the next few months to develop a set of essential recovery tools to enable these communities to define and plan their recovery," says Brad Gair, FEMA's long-term community recovery director. The process, a community-driven outreach tool, and guidebook were developed by technical advisors, planning professionals, and community development professionals to facilitate recovery in communities designated for the "self-help" based on capabilities and needs assessments. Each of these parishes will be supported by FEMA and LRA long-term community recovery staff.
All local input will be rolled up into statewide strategies and, ultimately, a plan to help direct state and federal recovery assistance. To encourage citizen participation, an awareness campaign features the theme: "Louisiana Speaks. Our Voice. Our Plan. Our Future."
The Louisiana Recovery Authority is the planning and coordinating body that will assist in implementing the Governor's vision for the recovery of Louisiana. The authority will identify and prioritize the short- and long-term needs of the recovery. The authority will seek out and value local input as it plans and implements the recovery.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Dec-2005 16:27:34