St. Bernard Parish Still Rebuilding One Year after Katrina
Release Date: August 21, 2006
Release Number: 1603-542
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- One year after the largest natural disaster in United States history devastated the Gulf Coast region, the Public Assistance department of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is still working non-stop to assist in the rebuilding of schools and hospitals, jails and fire and police stations in St. Bernard Parish.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides funding for emergency services as well as the repair and rebuilding of damaged infrastructure to its pre-disaster condition. Public Assistance employees work with the state, local governments and certain non-profit agencies to assess damages and provide technical assistance. FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the State. It is the State’s responsibility to ensure that eligible sub-grantees receive these awards. Following the State’s review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide the grants to the sub-grantees.
During the past year, 575 Project Worksheets – the document that applicants use to request funds from FEMA – have been generated in St. Bernard Parish. In addition, a total of $509 million has been obligated for those applicants, and more than 3.2 million cubic yards of debris have been removed.
Schools such as Arabi Elementary and Andrew Jackson High School received FEMA funding, as did Chalmette High School, Lacoste Elementary and N.P. Trist Middle School. The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office received approximately $1.8 million for replacement of over 120 fleet vehicles.
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: Tuesday, 29-Aug-2006 16:00:44