University Of New Orleans Kiefer Arena Benefits From Fema Funds
Over $2 million to help reimburse for emergency services needed after the disaster
Release Date: January 26, 2007
Release Number: 1603-598
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness recently announced that $2.27 million has been obligated to help the Nat G. Kiefer Lakefront Arena in New Orleans continue to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
hen the hurricane devastated the state in 2005, the 296,000-square-foot facility suffered extensive flooding that resulted in the need for mold remediation and asbestos removal services. Other work performed in the months after the disaster includes the cleaning and disinfecting of over 189,000 square feet of nonporous material located throughout the facility. The funds released in this package will help reimburse the city of New Orleans for this work, as well as for other emergency services needed immediately after the disaster.
The Kiefer Arena is home to various sporting events, concerts and conferences. In the past, it has hosted events such as high school graduations, the Girl Scout Council of SE Louisiana’s 90th anniversary celebration and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s swimming championship.
When projects are obligated by FEMA, the funds are transferred to the state. This allows the state to draw down the monies and distribute them to the local applicants. The state may require additional documentation from the applicant before disbursals are made.
The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government buildings, roads and bridges, schools, water and sewer plants, recreational facilities owned by government agencies, some facilities owned by nonprofit agencies and other publicly owned facilities. FEMA can set aside money to bring each project back to its pre-disaster function and capacity, and the state distributes the money. 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 manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 26-Jan-2007 11:45:57