State and Federal Assistance Funds Committed to Reconstruction Project in Beauregard Parish
Release Date: November 1, 2007
Release Number: 1603-742
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DERIDDER, La. -- The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved more than $122,000 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to complete reconstruction of a repetitive loss structure in Beauregard Parish.
"By rebuilding this home according to new building codes and up to the latest elevation guidelines, this project serves as yet another example of how Louisiana is turning tragedy into opportunity," said LRA Board Member Tim Coulon. "House by house, neighborhood by neighborhood, parish by parish, we are rebuilding safer and stronger."
The reconstruction funded through this program is earmarked to rebuild the residential property in compliance with the latest building codes and to elevate one foot above Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE). The project will reduce future flood damages, health and safety risks, clean-up costs and displacement time for the homeowners. These measures will also bring cost savings to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through reduced flood insurance claims.
Under FEMA's Pilot Reconstruction Program, eligible applicants may receive HMGP funds to demolish an existing structure and construct an improved, elevated structure on the same site. This may include pre-existing structures substantially damaged or destroyed by the disaster. Once the structure is elevated, the homeowner will be required to maintain flood insurance for the life of the property.
The pilot reconstruction grant is only available to property owners who owned the property at the time of the disaster for which funding is authorized. Mitigation reconstruction projects are not eligible if located in floodways as identified on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
"The Pilot Reconstruction Program has broadened the scope of the traditional HMGP funding opportunities, to enable communities to incorporate mitigation directly into the reconstruction process," said Jim Stark, FEMA's director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "FEMA will continue working closely with Beauregard Parish and the state of Louisiana to ensure sound mitigation opportunities and options are fully exercised in the rebuilding process."
Hazard mitigation is one of the state's top priorities. In November 2005, the LRA authorized the release of $250 million to help parishes prevent damage from future disasters. In accordance with the State Hazard Mitigation Program, LRA directed GOHSEP to distribute the first hazard mitigation funding available after hurricanes Katrina and Rita to parish governments. To access hazard mitigation funds through the state HMGP program, parishes submit proposals to GOHSEP. The funds, which are provided under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, require a 25 percent match from parish governments or state agencies.
Approved by GOHSEP and FEMA, hazard mitigation projects enable communities to take actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. Projects eligible for HMGP funds include structure elevation, wind retrofitting of facilities, property acquisition, planning, mitigated reconstruction and safe room installation. Projects must fit within the state's and local governments' overall mitigation strategy and comply with HMGP guidelines.
When projects are obligated by FEMA through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the funds are transferred to a Smartlink account. This allows the grantee, GOSHEP, to draw down the funds as quickly as possible. The state may require additional information from the subgrantee before disbursing the funds.
Approximately $1.1 billion in HMGP funds are currently assigned to support eligible mitigation activities homeowners can complete via the state's Road Home Hazard Mitigation program. The process by which these mitigation activities may be fundable has been approved by FEMA, however each property must be verified eligible prior to FEMA funds being awarded. The state's Office of Community Development is the applicant for this HMGP project. In the coming weeks, affected homeowners will be contacted by OCD with information regarding the next step.
A congressionally mandated study conducted for FEMA revealed that mitigation saves society an average of $4 for every dollar spent. Such defensive, preventative mitigation measures learned and implemented by Louisianians will contribute to a national floodplain management plan that saves taxpayers an estimated $1.1 billion per year by preventing flood damages.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The LRA is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco 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.
GOHSEP will ensure that the state is prepared to respond to, and recover from, all natural and man-made emergencies. This office will provide the leadership and support to reduce the loss of life and property through an all-hazards emergency management program of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
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: Thursday, 01-Nov-2007 11:35:54