FEMA Grants $3.8 Million to Dredge Port Fourchon
Release Date: August 18, 2006
Release Number: 1603-525
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that it will grant $3.8 million as the federal share to dredge and clear Port Fourchon on Bayou LaFourche from silt and sediment caused by Hurricane Katrina.
"This represents a major step in rebuilding our coastal infrastructure and economy," said Jim Stark, director of FEMA's Transitional Recovery Office in Louisiana. "Boats have grounded in the waterway and the port has been clogged. But the tide is turning our way."
The storm surge and waves of Hurricane Katrina crossed more than 10 miles of salt marsh to damage the facilities. Sediments from the marsh were deposited in the channel leading to Port Fourchon, and in slips A and B and the commercial marina at the port. The grant for the Greater LaFourche Port Commission represents 90 percent of the expected $4.2 million cost of the project.
FEMA's Public Assistance Program gives disaster recovery aid to state and local governments and to certain private nonprofit organizations to help them respond to disasters, recover from their impact, and mitigate impact from future disasters. Although the assistance is given through governments and organizations, its goal is to help a community and all its citizens recover from the devastation of disasters.
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, 18-Aug-2006 15:52:58