Louisiana Schools Rebound With $212.6 Million In FEMA Funds 

School bells ring in a new year with help from FEMA

Release Date: August 21, 2006
Release Number: 1603-536

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Devastation from Hurricane Katrina to Louisiana schools in the southern part of the state often resulted in total destruction. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $212.6 million for educational facilities to continue to recover and rebuild in the storm affected areas.

From St. Bernard to Vermillion, from Calcasieu to Caddo, few parishes in Louisiana were left untouched by Hurricane Katrina. The campus administrators that rejoiced because their school buildings remained intact after the disaster soon had to make room to provide space and staff for extra school children from surrounding areas. Most felt fortunate to have had their school campuses spared by the devastation that other school systems closer to the coast experienced.

FEMA grants helped schools tackle debris removal, cleanup, over-crowded classrooms and supply shortages. Classrooms, gymnasiums, stadiums, computers, furniture, projectors, appliances, and the many school supplies needed by students and teachers were among the items these grants helped. Flood waters and hurricane force winds were devastating to buildings where Louisiana students and teachers taught, learned, and played. Temporary buildings, cafeteria food supplies, and temporary housing for essential school personnel were critical to getting the schools back up and running for the fall term.

Parishes in the New Orleans area were most affected by Hurricane Katrina. FEMA has obligated to the State of Louisiana $180 million for schools in Jefferson, Orleans , Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes. In addition, Lafayette, Lafourche, Tangipahoa and East Baton Rouge were obligated $1.8 million, $2.2 million, $2.5 million, and $4.1 million respectively for their school rebuilding efforts.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006 07:07:42