Xavier University Continues To Thrive With FEMA's Financial Backing
Release Date: March 13, 2009
Release Number: 1603-843
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- To help build a resilient institution able to quickly resume academic activities after a major flood, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority recently announced hazard mitigation funding to Xavier University of Louisiana.
The funds will be used to apply waterproof protection to the perimeter of the exterior walls and entrance doors to Xavier South, administrative offices, and the Central Power Plant.
"Our goal is to provide this university with the tools it needs to withstand future floods in a way that it continues to prepare its students for professional roles in our society," said Tony Russell, acting director of FEMA's Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "FEMA is pleased to contribute to the strengthening of this higher learning institution after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina."
Louisiana Recovery Authority Executive Director Paul Rainwater said, "This $1.3 million in hazard mitigation funding not only will help protect Xavier University from future hurricanes, but also from the heavy rainfalls that south Louisiana is so prone to experience. The mission of the Louisiana Recovery Authority is to ensure that Louisiana rebuilds safer, stronger and smarter than before, and these funds will help the university do just that."
The storm's floodwaters inundated the 43 buildings of the Xavier University campus with four feet of water for weeks. Many students, staff and faculty, who were displaced across the nation, were besieged by thoughts of whether or not their university would survive.
However, five months after Katrina, after intensive reconstruction, the university reopened. Xavier began to rebound with the gradual arrival of students who were housed in FEMA temporary housing units that filled two of the university's largest parking lots. Almost 80 percent of pre-Katrina Xavier students returned.
"It is absolutely amazing how Xavier opened its doors less than six months after the hurricane. Xavier was organized, efficient and worked well with FEMA to make this happen despite the fact that they were not prepared for this type of devastation. They proved to me how dedicated they are to St. Katherine Drexel's vision, the faculty, and the students," said Tiffany M. Willis, Xavier's Student Government Association chief of staff.
In addition to temporary housing units and the hazard mitigation funding of nearly $1.3 million, FEMA has obligated almost $49.9 million for the university's extensive reconstruction, such as debris removal, building stabilization, computer equipment, contents and permanent repair and replacement.
"We have been pleased with the recovery results achieved by working with FEMA, and we look forward to continued cooperation. Xavier is grateful for the support we have received, and for the positive working relationship between our two institutions," said President of Xavier Norman C. Francis.
FEMA's financial support makes it possible for students to continue pursuing their fields of interest in biology, chemistry, pharmacy, business, psychology, political science and an array of other academic programs.
When project funds are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a federal Smartlink account. Once the funds have reached this account the applicant can request reimbursement from the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) for eligible work completed. 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.
During his first day in office, Governor Bobby Jindal issued an Executive Order directing the Louisiana Recovery Authority to be responsible for the state's actions with regard to FEMA's Public Assistance program. The LRA is working in conjunction with GOHSEP and its federal partners to identify ways to streamline the Public Assistance process and improve efficiency, with the ultimate goal of cutting in half the length of time that applications spend in the process.
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, 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 leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Mar-2009 10:38:00