FEMA Obligates $12.9 million for Libraries in Greater New Orleans
Release Date: August 21, 2006
Release Number: 1603-534
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Unparalleled wind and flood damages resulting from Hurricane Katrina one year ago affected numerous libraries throughout south Louisiana . Today, many of those facilities have been renovated or rebuilt with funds provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program. Nearly $12.9 million has been obligated for libraries in the Greater New Orleans area including $3.6 million to Jefferson Parish, $2.8 million to Orleans Parish, $2.4 million to Plaquemines Parish, and $4.1 million to St. Bernard Parish.
One of FEMA's responsibilities after a disaster is to protect and improve essential services, such as libraries and schools. After Hurricane Katrina, FEMA's Public Assistance division helped repair and replace contents in libraries, including the Algiers , Nix Memorial, Hubbell and Norman Mayer branches, among others. FEMA also provided debris removal funding.
"Libraries add to the vitality of a community," said Jim Stark, FEMA's director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "The restoration back to an operating library is another big step in the recovery process."
Some of the funding replaced computers, furniture, equipment, and lending materials such as books, CDs and DVDs. FEMA also provided grants for mold remediation, debris removal, and pressure washing, as well as generators, dumpsters and temporary roofs. Grants for improvements to the floors, ceilings and carpet were also provided.
FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the State. It is the State's responsibility to ensure that eligible sub-grantees receive these awards. Following the State's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide the grants to the sub-grantees.
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: Wednesday, 30-Aug-2006 08:11:22