FEMA Providing More than $23M for Debris Removal and Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int. Airport

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced awards totaling more than $23.8 million for Washington Parish, Franklinton, and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The bulk of the money was $21 million to Washington Parish for removal of debris created by Hurricane Katrina. The work covered by this grant was to begin Sept. 28 and be completed within 90 days. Additional projects for debris removal in the parish are expected.

The city of Franklinton in Washington Parish also received $1,768,000 for removal of Katrina debris. The work covered by this grant was to be completed by Oct. 27. Another project for debris removal in Franklinton is expected.

The airport received almost $1.1 million for the short-term emergency shelter provided to stranded passengers and evacuees. The grant covers the costs for food, water, utilities, janitorial services, cleaning, environmental testing and decontamination, and replacement of carpet in Concourse D, which was used as a medical triage area.

The grants are part of an ongoing program of federal funding to reimburse state and local government agencies, and certain non-profit agencies that provide essential government-like services, for disaster-related expenses. The grants will continue until all eligible costs have been reimbursed. At present, 100 percent of the costs are being paid by FEMA.

The federal funds are made available under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. The State of Louisiana administers the program.