Jefferson Parish Still Rebuilding One Year after Katrina 

Release Date: August 21, 2006
Release Number: 1603-541

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- One year after Hurricane Katrina created the largest natural disaster in United States history, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance division is still working non-stop to assist schools, hospitals, jails, and fire and police stations in Jefferson Parish.

FEMA’s Public Assistance program obligates 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, the Public Assistance department worked with many applicants including schools, hospitals, community centers, playgrounds, and utility companies. As of August 2006, a total of $159 million has been obligated for Jefferson parish applicants, and over 5 million cubic yards of debris have been removed.

Jefferson Parish projects ranged from animal shelters to playgrounds. East Jefferson General Hospital, for example, was obligated funding for renovation of buildings, purchase of medical equipment and supplies, and payment for temporary emergency personnel during the early days of the disaster.

In addition, the public health clinic in Marrero was obligated funds to rebuild of their facility, and the Emergency Operations Center in Marrero was obligated money for emergency roof repairs. Funding was obligated to the Gretna Local History Center, the Causeway Head Start Center in Metairie, the Adult Education Center in Gretna, and two animal shelters in Harahan.

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 16:03:15