By The Numbers: FEMA Recovery Update In Southwest Louisiana 

Release Date: March 10, 2006
Release Number: 1603-393

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LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Here is an update of federal and state agency accomplishments in the nearly six months since Hurricane Rita hit the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, De Soto, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Vermilion, and Vernon in Southwest Louisiana.

3

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) remain open in Southwest Louisiana . DRC's are one-stop information centers where victims can learn more about different types of state and federal disaster assistance, including loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters and business owners.

55

To date, 55 vessels have been removed by the U.S. Coast Guard, under a FEMA-funded mission assignment.

90

As a result of Hurricane Rita, FEMA has employed approximately 90 residents of the affected parishes.

1,714

In addition to household debris removal from rights-of-way, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared debris from 1,714 residential properties impacted by Rita under a FEMA- funded mission assignment

13,197

At present, 13,197 travel trailers and mobile homes are temporary homes for hurricane victims.

55,650

LA Swift, the free emergency bus system between Baton Rouge and New Orleans for displaced residents, has served 55,650 passengers. It has operated seven daily round trips since October 31, 2005.

18,115

18,115 damaged roofs have been temporarily protected under FEMA's “Blue Roof” program , operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

258,650

FEMA has completed 258,650 housing inspections.

$8.3 million

FEMA has approved more than $8 million in disaster unemployment assistance for 860 eligible victims of Hurricane Rita who signed up during the application period.

$8.8 million

FEMA has approved $8.8 million in Community Disaster Loans to help keep essential services online in communities hardest hit by Rita.

$43 million

The SBA has approved 584 business disaster assistance loans totaling $43 million .

$57.9 million

For homeowners and renters , the SBA has approved a total of 1,155 disaster loans, totaling over $57.9 million in Southwest Louisiana .

$71.4 million

More than $71.4 million in federal dollars has been obligated for 834 Public Assistance projects, such as debris removal and emergency services in Southwest Louisiana parishes.

$76.5 million

More than $76.5 million has been approved for 47,784 Hurricane Rita applicants for Other Needs Assistance . The program provides assistance for serious, disaster-related needs to impacted individuals.

$398.5 million

FEMA has issued 160,346 housing assistance checks, totaling $398.5 million .

$525 million

FEMA projects that $525 million in claims will be filed under the National Flood Insurance Program by policyholders in Southwest Louisiana . To date over $321 million has been paid out.

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: Friday, 10-Mar-2006 11:25:34