Five Years Of FEMA Funding Contribute To Louisiana's Recovery 

NEW ORLEANS, La.-- In partnership with and in support of the state of Louisiana’s recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided more than $15.2 billion in individual, public and hazard mitigation assistance over the past five years.

"During Louisiana’s post-Katrina period, FEMA has remained dedicated to helping families and communities recover in a way that builds, sustains and improves their capabilities to protect against future hazards," said FEMA Louisiana Recovery Office Interim Director Mike Karl. “While such efforts continue today, the 5th commemoration of hurricanes Katrina and Rita indicates unprecedented levels of recovery already achieved throughout this state.”

Regarding those directly affected, serving the citizens of Louisiana has been one of FEMA’s top priorities since the hurricanes. As a result, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) has provided approximately $5.8 billion in total housing and other needs assistance to disaster survivors, and, at the peak of FEMA’s housing mission, nearly 92,000 displaced households were sheltered in temporary housing units provided by the federal agency. Currently, less than 800 households still reside in these units, and FEMA is working closely with the state of Louisiana to help remaining families find permanent housing solutions.

Additionally, to assist in rebuilding Louisiana’s disaster-damaged public infrastructure, FEMA’s Public Assistance Program has provided $8.9 billion for the restoration of approximately 22,500 Katrina and Rita recovery projects throughout Louisiana. The restoration of public infrastructure has significant impacts across all public sectors.

For example, more than $2.8 billion in FEMA-funded grants has been provided for recovery work related to the state’s education system, covering K-12 and higher education. In support of public safety and protection, FEMA has obligated more than $918.3 million for various projects, including the restoration of fire stations, police stations, court houses and jails. Within the health care sector, more than $690.2 million in FEMA funding has been provided for health and research projects, helping numerous healthcare providers and medical training programs around the state return to their pre-Katrina operations.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) also services individuals and public entities impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita by providing grants to communities and state agencies for projects that are designed to save lives and protect properties. Specifically, in response to the 2005 hurricanes, FEMA has made $1.47 billion in HMGP funding available to the state of Louisiana, of which $524.1 million has already been obligated for 379 mitigation projects.

Funded mitigation projects include the elevations of approximately 1,006 properties; the acquisition by parishes of 327 previously flooded properties to be turned into green space; and the retrofitting of 297 properties, making 

them stronger by adding mitigation elements such as hurricane shutters, roof tie downs and shatter-resistant windows.  

"As we have been for the last five years, FEMA remains committed to the resilient survivors of Louisiana, and we will continue to provide them with assistance so that they may progress along the path to full recovery," said Karl.

When FEMA approves projects through its Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a special account. Once the funds have reached this account, the applicant can request reimbursement from the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.