FEMA And The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Help Southern University At New Orleans Reopen Its Doors 

Release Date: February 10, 2006
Release Number: 1603-06-338

» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina

BATON ROUGE, La. — Hurricane Katrina caused 6 to 8 feet of flooding on Southern University’s New Orleans (SUNO) campus, shutting down operations and dislocating nearly than 4,000 students. In early November, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), after working closely with SUNO officials, issued a mission assignment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to construct a new campus north of the damaged site. Now, just three months later, Phase A is nearly complete and classes should begin on the campus in mid-February.

Under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, approximately $15 million has been obligated for construction and to equip the campus. The temporary campus, located near the existing SUNO campus, on Press Drive will open in mid-February for classes. SUNO is currently holding classes on a temporary site at the Sophie B. Wright Middle School in New Orleans.

"By helping SUNO resume classes, we are helping bring New Orleans back," said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells. "This temporary campus came about because of a strong partnership among federal, state and local officials, all of whom should be very proud. Returning to classes will enable thousands of students and faculty to return to New Orleans and to their education."

"We are grateful for the assistance provided by these federal agencies," said Southern University Board of Supervisors Chairman Johnny G. Anderson. "While this is a temporary campus, it is a completely equipped complex that includes all the amenities necessary for a quality university education experience."

SUNO officials will add finishing touches before opening the campus to students in early February. Phase A of the temporary campus contains 26 buildings, including a computer lab, health clinic, dining hall, 13 classrooms and four parking lots. With Phase A substantially complete, FEMA and USACE are turning their attention to Phase B, which includes an additional 19 buildings.

Phase B will include science, vocal, music and art lab space as well as additional classroom space. Once complete, the campus will contain 45 buildings and a total of 100,000 square feet of buildings. FEMA is also supplying the campus with 270 computers and 805 desks.

Last Modified: Monday, 13-Feb-2006 10:42:44