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A Decade of Progress through Partnerships in Louisiana

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In the decade since hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast, Louisiana has made remarkable progress in its recovery. Cities and parishes are stronger and more resilient than ever before. Neighborhoods and schools are being revitalized. Tens of thousands of displaced residents now have a safe place to call home. This page highlights the federal recovery work and financial assistance provided in Louisiana as FEMA reflects on a decade of progress through partnerships.
 

Louisiana’s Recovery: A Whole Community Effort

Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history. Within a month, HurricaneA quote box containing a quote from Mike Womack, Director of the Louisiana Recovery Office. “The success of Louisiana’s recovery so far has been all about solidifying and strengthening partnerships. It’s about coming together, finding common ground, and focusing on rebuilding communities that are stronger and more sustainable for the future.” Rita also struck the Louisiana coast.

As a result, thousands of families were displaced. It was clear the massive recovery effort would demand extraordinary measures and innovative solutions — not just at the local and state levels but at the federal level as well.

We continue working side by side with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and other key partners on behalf of Louisiana’s people and communities.

The $19.61 billion in FEMA/state assistance to survivors and their communities has been a major catalyst toward recovery, and our commitment to Louisiana’s full recovery remains steadfast. The total includes Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation grant programs. FEMA, however, is only part of the team dedicated to bringing Louisiana back from these catastrophes.

The success of this recovery is all about solidifying and strengthening partnerships — about coming  together, finding common ground, and focusing on rebuilding Louisiana communities that are stronger and more sustainable for the future.

Partnerships at the local, state and federal levels have been vital. Louisiana has come this far due to the commitment and perseverance of everyone who stepped up to help. That includes voluntary agencies from across the country, private sector entities, Native American tribes, nonprofits, community and faith groups, and especially countless individual citizens — in other words, the Whole Community.

Louisiana Recovery by the Numbers

Graphic containing Louisiana recovery numbers. $19.56 billion total FEMA funds obligated for recovery, rebuilding, and mitigation projects. $16.2 billion total National Flood Insurance Program payments to policyholders. $12.38 billion Public Assistance obligations to the state. $6.89 billion U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses. $5.78 Individual Assistance provided to survivors. $1.45 billion Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for projects. 915,940 survivors assisted with housing and other needs. 100 FEMA has paid 100 percent of the cost for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation projects. Since the hurricanes, all 64 parishes now have approved Hazard Mitigation plans.

*Hazard Mitigation numbers as of June 15, 2015; all other numbers as of May 1, 2015

 

More Information and Resources on Louisiana's Katrina and Rita Recovery

  • Image of Louisiana Katrina Recovery Fact SheetsDownload our fact sheets to read about statewide recovery projects making Louisiana safer and stronger, federal assistance for the eight hardest-hit parishes, and even more.
  • Check out the State of Louisiana's Web page, Katrina + Rita 10 Years Later, compliments of our state recovery partners at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
  • Additionally, the City of New Orleans, one of our many local recovery partners, recently launched Katrina10.org to tell the story of the Crescent City's strength and resilience. 
Last Updated: 
08/18/2015 - 18:12