FEMA Funds Pair of Large Projects in St. Bernard Parish

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported two new grants for St. Bernard Parish totaling more than $3.1 million.

The grants — part of FEMA’s Public Assistance program — will help parish officials rebuild critical public infrastructure damaged or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Katrina and will reimburse the parish for expenses incurred from the emergency response to the storm.

Extensive flooding in St. Bernard Parish damaged fire equipment so severely that it needs to be replaced. FEMA is providing $2,080,363 to replace seven emergency units. FEMA is also granting $1,033,772 to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff as reimbursement for the extensive response actions taken to alleviate immediate threats to the health and safety of the public. This includes increased patrols, rescue of stranded personnel, medical treatment of personnel, as well as emergency labor and vehicle use.

“Rebuilding St. Bernard Parish starts by ensuring the public safety infrastructure is in place. These two grants will help the parish meet the public safety needs of residents as they return to rebuild,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $1.3 billion in Public Assistance funds to projects throughout Louisiana.