FEMA Grants $16.3 Million In Support Of La. Mitigation Work

NEW ORLEANS - The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today more than $16.3 million in additional mitigation aid for flood protection measures in St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson parishes, as well as for backup electricity support at a Baton Rouge medical facility.

"Over the next three years, these projects will become realities," said Acting Executive Director of FEMA's Louisiana Recovery Office Joe Threat. "They are prime examples of how our Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is working to make Louisiana better prepared to withstand the effects of potential future storms."

This recently obligated funding comes in the form of four FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grants and will benefit the following Katrina and Gustav recovery projects:

More than $2.3 million will fund the retrofitting of the bar screen cleaning system at the Cousins Pump Station in St. Charles Parish. Bar screens prevent debris from entering pump facilities and impeding their water pumping capacities. This system is required for pump stations to run at optimal capacity so adjacent areas can be protected from flooding during rain events. Previously, FEMA provided $1.2 million for the actual installation of the Cousins Pump Station bar screen cleaning system.

More than $4.2 million will provide hazard mitigation measures for 38 residential structures in Franklin Parish. Part of the funds will be used to acquire 33 flood-prone residences and convert the properties into green space. Franklin Parish will be responsible for maintaining the green space. The grant will also fund elevations for the remaining five residences, which will be raised one foot above the current base flood elevation level to better protect from future flooding events.

Nearly $5.8 million will support the elevation of 45 homes in Jefferson Parish. These properties have all sustained multiple flood losses and received numerous payments for claims made through the National Flood Insurance Program. By elevating them to the Advisory Base Flood Elevation level, their future flooding potential will be greatly reduced.

Nearly $4.0 million will be used to purchase generators at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge. This grant was provided to the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to ensure Woman's Hospital will be capable of providing electricity during future storm events when power failure is common. Previous storms have resulted in loss of electricity and compromised the critical healthcare services at this hospital.

Filed Under: Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish

Categories: State News