Cameron Parish Schools Receive Additional FEMA Funding
Release Date: May 10, 2007
Release Number: 1603-634
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Nearly 1,800 students were affected by the damages inflicted on their Cameron Parish schools by Hurricane Rita. Four of the six schools were totally destroyed and significant repairs were needed at the two remaining schools, including everything from temporary facilities to new gymnasiums, athletic fields and cafeterias. Funds recently obligated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse the Cameron Parish School Board for this work.
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 for large projects. 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.
These latest funds are part of a package that totals over $46 million and will go towards reimbursement for both emergency services needed immediately after the storm, such as the construction of temporary facilities. Additionally, funding has been obligated for permanent repair and replacement of the heavily damaged facilities.
South Cameron High School, for example, will now house students in grades pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The wind-resistant structure will exceed the base flood elevation and is projected to be a 65,000 square-foot building that will house new furniture and equipment. The consolidated school will include funding from the previous South Cameron Elementary. Both schools were totally destroyed by Hurricane Rita. With FEMA assistance, a temporary campus of 46 buildings configured within four pods and including computer and science labs has been established on the parking apron of what was formerly South Cameron High School. Also on campus is a temporary kitchen and cafeteria, serving hot breakfast and lunches to the student population.
Dr. Doug Chance, Superintendent of Cameron Parish Schools commends the cooperation of FEMA personnel, stating, "Cameron Parish School Board has enjoyed a professional, collaborative relationship with personnel of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Their willingness to join us at the table to determine what is best for the students and families of Cameron Parish is truly commendable."
At Johnson Bayou High School, restoration of the school complex is well underway and includes repairs to classrooms, labs and the gymnasium complex. It is projected that the facility will be approved for occupancy in early summer 2007. Hackberry High will be reimbursed for work on the gymnasium, concession stands and the vocational and agricultural building. Repairs have also been completed on the 58,000-square-foot main building.
Other projects to be reimbursed include the Central Office facility of Cameron Parish School Board. Previously located on Dewey Street, the facility will move to Marshall Street in Cameron to be closer to other governmental agencies. The Cameron Parish School Board is slated to be reimbursed for a new complex with a sturdy wind load capacity and proper elevation, to replace the wood and brick structure destroyed by the storm.
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: Thursday, 10-May-2007 11:21:05