FEMA Donations Assist in Rebuilding Plaquemines Homes 

Release Date: January 24, 2008
Release Number: 1603-761

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PLAQUEMINES, La. -- In an effort to help Plaquemines Parish residents make headway in their recovery, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is donating building materials from its trailer parks to the parish.

Cinderblocks, water pipes and steps from deactivated trailers in Plaquemines sites will be given to disadvantaged residents who are rebuilding their homes on the east bank and lower end of Plaquemines Parish, the areas most devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

"FEMA has done a lot for many individuals and families, but now the cost of materials is rising, so this donation is very important to parish constituents, particularly the needy. Not everybody is financially fortunate to purchase all the necessities to do the work at their homes or has the materials on hand. Numerous needy constituents need the materials and could benefit from the generosity of FEMA," said the Director of Public Service for Plaquemines Parish Byron Williams, who approached FEMA on the request for donations.

"We are very pleased to offer this donation of materials and support Plaquemines Parish in their goal of doing everything possible to help residents in the rebuilding process," said FEMA Acting Associate Deputy Administrator for Gulf Coast Recovery Jim Stark.

As FEMA deactivates trailers in Plaquemines sites, the parish government collects the building materials it needs. The parish is currently focusing on Davant Park, which has 74 temporary housing units, and will eventually stockpile the limestone from the site once the park closes on May 31. According to Williams, the limestone will be used to restore driveways at Davant, the site of a pre-Hurricane Katrina recreational park.

Plaquemines Parish will be distributing the donations through their Community Action Agency (CAA). Residents interested in the donated cinderblocks, water pipes and steps need to call the CAA at (504) 297-5404.

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, 29-Jan-2008 10:32:19