FEMA Obligates Additional Funding To Update Touro's Generator System
Release Date: August 9, 2007
Release Number: 1603-679
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Following the near breakdown of Touro Infirmary’s generator system immediately after Hurricane Katrina, steps were taken to ensure that such an event would not happen again. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently obligated funding to improve the hospital’s generator system, which should provide for a more reliable electricity source in the event of a power failure.
Despite having seven emergency generators, two of them failed, thus resulting in a loss of air conditioning and other critical components. All commercial power had been lost to the 153-year-old facility. The hospital was evacuated Aug. 30 and reopened six weeks later in October 2005.
The funding will reimburse the hospital for updates to the hospital’s current generator system. The hospital installed the updates last summer. The update prevents a potential overload should the hospital resort to their use again in the event of a power outage. The updated circuitry will enable the generator system to shift power between generators, thereby preventing prolonged and inordinate use.
The 567-patient Garden District hospital specializes in the areas of physical rehabilitation, maternity care, cancer, orthopedics, diabetes and heart disease. It also sponsors free diabetes screenings and education seminars.
“We appreciate the assistance FEMA has provided to Touro to recover from Hurricane Katrina,” Touro President and Chief Executive Officer Les Hirsch said. “FEMA’s assistance has significantly improved our physical plant and improved Touro’s preparedness for future emergencies or disasters.”
More than $2.9 million has been obligated to update and repair the hospital’s generator circuitry system. FEMA has obligated a total of $9 million toward restoration of the hospital. When projects are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a Smartlink account. This allows the applicant, in this case Touro Infirmary, to work with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as quickly as possible to access the reimbursement monies. The state may require additional documentation from the applicant before disbursing the funds. Obligated funds may change over time as the project worksheet is a living grant that is often adjusted as bids come in and scope of work is aligned.
The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. 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 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: Monday, 27-Aug-2007 09:52:45