FEMA Books Funds for Rebuilding of East New Orleans Library
Release Date: April 18, 2008
Release Number: 1603-782
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- A New Orleans library destroyed by Hurricane Katrina will receive funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that will go toward its rebuilding.
Three foot floodwaters entered the East New Orleans Regional Library and damaged the building beyond repair. Items damaged included the building components, plumbing and all electrical and mechanical systems. Subsequent mold and mildew buildup at the Read Boulevard facility also destroyed the 57,000 volumes of reading materials.
"As an educator in this community, it gives me great pleasure to witness the return of this public service to the New Orleans area," Calvin Mackie said, a Louisiana Recovery Authority Board Member and former Tulane University Professor. "Libraries are an essential part of a community for residents of all ages, providing a place for individuals to enrich their lives and truly become informed citizens."
No construction or completion date has been set. Other than the volume contents, the facility also has staff offices and private meeting rooms. The library was in full daily use by East New Orleans residents prior to the storm.
"The New Orleans Public Library Board is appreciative for the increased obligation in federal funds for the rebuilding of the East New Orleans Regional Library," New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) Director Donna Schremser said. "These funds will allow the NOPL to accelerate the rebuilding process for that vital branch library."
FEMA has obligated approximately $4.1 million toward the rebuilding of the East New Orleans Regional Library.
"FEMA is proud to contribute to the recovery of New Orleans' libraries," Jim Stark said, the Acting Associate Deputy Administrator for the Gulf Coast Recovery Office. "Public institutions like this must be rebuilt for this community to rebound successfully from the storm. They are an essential component for a recovered city."
"By working closely with our federal and local partners, we were able to identify ways in which the New Orleans Public Library Board qualified to receive an increase in obligate funds for New Orleans East Regional Library," Mark Riley said, the Assistant Deputy Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness' Disaster Recovery Division. "This is a great accomplishment on all levels as we move forward with the recovery process in Louisiana."
When project funds are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a federal Smartlink account. Once the funds have reached this account the applicant can request reimbursement from GOHSEP for eligible work completed. 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.
During his first day in office, Governor Bobby Jindal issued an Executive Order directing the Louisiana Recovery Authority to be responsible for the state's actions with regard to FEMA's Public Assistance program. The LRA is working in conjunction with GOHSEP and its federal partners to identify ways to streamline the Public Assistance process and improve efficiency, with the ultimate goal of cutting in half the length of time that applications spend in the process.
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.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.
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, 22-Apr-2008 09:51:54