FEMA Introduces Web-Based Long-Term Planning Tool
Release Date: March 20, 2006
Release Number: 1603-408
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- A new Web-based Planning Tool, centered on long-term recovery projects from the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, is now available for use by individuals and communities, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) announced today.
Since October of 2005, long-term recovery planning teams have been meeting with the public, government leaders, and community stakeholders. These teams consist of professional planners, architects, and engineers. The information that they have compiled can now be viewed online at www.louisianaspeaks.org.
The Web tool, developed by Louisiana parishes, not only outlines suggested parish-level plans, but addresses recovery projects in Environmental Management; Housing and Community Development; Economic and Workforce Development; Public Health and Healthcare; Transportation and Infrastructure; Education; Public Safety; Human Services; Flood Protection and Coastal Restoration.
"This innovative Web-based recovery tool is the first of its kind and represents an exciting new dimension in community-based recovery planning," said Walter Melnick, deputy director of FEMA's Long-Term Community Recovery. "Recovery information on this Web site encourages cooperation between the parishes and collaboration among federal and state partners."
"This dynamic and interactive online tool will support ongoing recovery efforts and help facilitate continued planning at the parish level," said Andy Kopplin, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. "By providing access to large amounts of community-specific planning information, this tool adds simplicity to what is otherwise a complex process."
The Web-based planning tool gives parishes the ability to develop grant applications and pursue other funding opportunities by entering project descriptions and other information needed by prospective funding partners. Individual sources of funding must be identified and pursued. Inclusion on this site is not an indication that projects will be funded. Potential funding needs are provided as estimates that have been developed by parish participants.
Recovery projects included in the planning tool directly address needs resulting from the disaster and are additional to those projects already planned through other programs. Higher recovery value projects are consistent with community recovery visioning and goals, focus on overall community recovery and can achieve multiple recovery benefits.
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.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003
Last Modified: Monday, 20-Mar-2006 13:54:46