Plaquemines Parish Fishing Harbor Reels In FEMA Funds 

Release Date: October 9, 2007
Release Number: 1603-730

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POINT-A-LA-HACHE, La. -- A Plaquemines Parish’s fishing area damaged in Hurricane Katrina will have a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-funded facelift.

The Point-A-La-Hache Boat Harbor, located on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish, is receiving FEMA funds to repair the damages brought by the hurricane more than two years ago. This money will repair the harbor’s pilings, decking, pier, boat slips and utility lines. Other items in need of repair are the guard house, storage building and equipment.

The harbor docks around 50 vessels, including fishing, sport, shrimp and oyster boats. Plaquemines Parish owns and operates the dock, which is used primarily by local fisherman.

“[The boat harbor] is part of the economic development of this parish,” Plaquemines Parish Director of Public Service Bill Serpas said. “I’ve had good relations with FEMA throughout the whole process. I have no complaints whatsoever.”

FEMA has obligated more than $4.0 million toward repairing the Point-A-La-Hache Boat Harbor.

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 Plaquemines Parish, 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: Tuesday, 09-Oct-2007 09:53:07