New Orleans Justice System Continues Work with Help from FEMA
Release Date: April 20, 2007
Release Number: 1603-628
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- More than 18 months after Hurricane Katrina touched our shores, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is still assisting the justice system in New Orleans recover from its devastating effects. Recovery projects have progressed steadily since Hurricane Katrina and continue to do so at a regular pace.
In New Orleans, the justice system comprises many components, including the police department, the criminal sheriff's office, the district attorney's office and the coroner's office. FEMA funds have been used to assist each of these departments in their continued efforts to return to normalcy after the hurricane.
"The safety of our residents is a concern that we must all work together to address. It is imperative that we focus on rebuilding the criminal justice system to help restore the public's confidence, thus creating a more favorable environment for the city's recovery," said Jim Stark, FEMA director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office.
The crime lab, consisting of three separate laboratories, suffered extensive damages to its facilities. FEMA funds reimbursed the facility for purchasing new lab coats, ultraviolet lights, evidence tape, fingerprinting equipment and other medical equipment.
A temporary 800-bed jail was constructed immediately after the hurricane to house the inmates displaced by the storm. Over $7 million in FEMA funds was obligated to that facility.
When projects are obligated by FEMA, the funds are transferred to a Smartlink account. This allows the state to work with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as quickly as possible to access the monies and distribute them to the local applicants. The state may require additional documentation from the applicant before disbursals are made.
Other FEMA funds have been used for projects that include:
- New Orleans Police Department , over $120 million obligated for work that includes replacement of uniforms, fleet vehicles, new hazardous materials equipment and photo identification systems, as well as repairs to the women's prison, a detention center, the community corrections center and others.
- Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office , $2.3 million for a temporary building used in the days immediately after Hurricane Katrina, as well as permanent repairs to the building and replacement of phone systems, computer equipment and furniture.
- Orleans Parish Coroner's Office , over $530,000 in reimbursement funds for replacement of fleet vehicles, toxicology equipment and a temporary facility used in the beginning of the disaster.
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 and recreation centers, 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: Friday, 20-Apr-2007 11:47:35