Historical Preservation In New Orleans
Release Date: January 19, 2006
Release Number: 1603-298
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Preserving the history of New Orleans and its archeological artifacts are key aspects in the process of rebuilding the city.
For the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Louisiana , that means taking all necessary precautions when constructing temporary housing sites. Placement of travel trailers is only temporary, so a site's visual and natural aesthetics will not change permanently, including a neighborhood's historic characteristics.
"FEMA is aware of local concerns where sites are proposed, and balances those concerns with its urgent and compelling mission to provide temporary housing," said Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer.
For example, a number of proposed sites are relatively small, city-owned parks, playgrounds and sports fields, some of which are in designated historic districts. These recreational areas are ideal for temporary housing -- they are previously cleared sites, dispersed throughout the city; are often no longer than a city block, and offer easy access to utilities and public services. Most important, they provide stable, safe and secure locations for residents who want to return to the city.
For group sites in historic parks or districts, significant features such as landscaping (including the majestic live oaks that have become an integral part of the city's heritage), monuments and sidewalks or walkways, are avoided. When FEMA demobilizes the site, utilities will be removed and the park returned to its pre-disaster appearance, including restoring recreational features and landscaping.
FEMA is also working to protect archeological deposits related to the early history of New Orleans .
"Excavating to connect utilities may impact archeological deposits," said John Ketchum, federal preservation officer. "FEMA will avoid placing units in previously undisturbed areas and place utilities above ground where feasible."
To comply with federal environmental and historic preservation responsibilities, FEMA completes an expedited review of each site proposed for development. FEMA conducts its historic preservation review in accordance with guidelines and regulations provided under both the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. This historic evaluation is intended to ensure important historic and cultural features are identified and protected during site development, and that any potential impacts are mitigated.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.
Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Jan-2006 09:58:40