Jackson Barracks Moves Toward Recovery With FEMA's Assistance
Release Date: September 12, 2007
Release Number: 1603-713
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Jackson Barracks, which is the headquarters of the Louisiana National Guard, was submerged in more than ten feet of flood waters due to levee failure following Hurricane Katrina. These waters did not recede for three weeks, causing millions of dollars worth of damages to one of the state's most vital services.
One damaged facility on the barracks site includes an administrative building, which had its electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems destroyed. The building also suffered significant interior damages. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay to restore the building to its pre-hurricane condition.
A total of 45 structures at the barracks, which comprises 93 city blocks, have been determined eligible for FEMA public assistance funding. The new buildings will have higher elevations and benefit from construction practices that will make recovery from future damages much quicker. Groundbreaking for construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this year.
Maj. Michael Kazmierzak, public affairs officer for the Louisiana National Guard, said the Guard will continue to work with FEMA while Jackson Barracks is being rebuilt.
"The Barracks will be rebuilt and it will serve as a model of how to rebuild, not only quickly, but while also being fiscally responsible at the same time," Kazmierzak said. "Jackson Barracks is a historically significant part of New Orleans, and we look forward to returning our headquarters and our homes there."
FEMA recently obligated $2 million to repair the damaged office building. To date, a total of $41.7 million has been obligated toward restoring the Jackson Barracks complex.
When projects are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a Smartlink account. This allows the applicant, in this case the state of Louisiana, to work with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as quickly as possible to access the reimbursement monies. The state may require additional documentation from the applicant before disbursing the funds. 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.
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 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, 13-Sep-2007 11:28:39