Plaquemines Parish Still Rebuilding One Year after Katrina
Release Date: August 21, 2006
Release Number: 1603-539
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Hurricane Katrina created the largest natural disaster in United States history; one year later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance department is still working non-stop to assist in the rebuilding of schools, hospitals, jails, and fire and police stations in Plaquemines Parish.
So far, a total of $125 million has been obligated to rebuild infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, fire and police stations. In addition, 2.2 million cubic yards of debris has been removed.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides funding for emergency services as well as the repair and rebuilding of damaged infrastructure to its pre-disaster condition. Public Assistance employees work with the state, local governments and certain non-profit agencies to assess damages and provide technical assistance.
FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the State. It is the State’s responsibility to ensure that eligible sub-grantees receive these awards. Following the State’s review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide the grants to the sub-grantees.
The major Public Assistance grants include:
- $1.9 million to replace the Buras fire station
- $67,000 to replace street signs
- $99,000 for a new sand-shell aggregate mixture to replace 69,000 square feet of Scarsdale Road that had become impassable
Schools, such as Belle Chasse Middle, Phoenix High and Port Sulphur High School also received FEMA funds, as did the J.T.P.A. Domestic Violence Center in Sulphur.
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: Tuesday, 29-Aug-2006 16:10:36