[StBernard] Parish to Receive $41 Million

[Westley Annis]

WASHINGTON, DC- In a press release, today, U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon
announced that St. Bernard Parish would receive $41,607,039 in federal
disaster aid grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security´s Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The grants will reimburse the parish
for disaster relief costs.  

"The people of St. Bernard Parish have been working hard to recover from the
devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and I am pleased FEMA is recognizing
their efforts," said Melancon.  "I will continue to hold the federal
government´s feet to the fire on their obligation to help us rebuild and
prepare for future storms." 

The following grants were announced today for St. Bernard Parish:

·       $6,662,130 for Disaster Victim Housing. Catastrophic damage in St.
Bernard Parish created an urgent need to house disaster victims. These
Public Assistance funds reimburse the parish for the costs to install,
operate, maintain and demobilize travel trailers for disaster victims on
individual private sites. This includes costs to evaluate the sites, connect
electricity, sewer and water, set-up, transportation, and the installation
of ramps to make trailers accessible when needed.

·       $19,392,432.13 for Essential Government Employee Housing.
Hurricane Katrina damaged or destroyed homes of essential government
employees in St. Bernard Parish. To ensure the continuity of essential
government services, the parish will be reimbursed for the purchase and
installation of housing units completed during February 2006. 

·       $7,490,507 for Debris Management and Removal.   High winds and the
storm surge generated a tremendous amount of debris throughout St. Bernard
Parish. These Public Assistance funds will reimburse the parish for debris
management and the removal of vegetative, construction, and demolition
debris as well as white goods (refrigerator and other household appliances)
from December 24, 2005, and January 20, 2006.

·       $6,206,391 to St. Bernard Parish School Board for Water Removal and
Pest Extermination.  High winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Katrina
severely damaged the roof and windows of the buildings of the Nova Academy
and the Joseph J. Davies Elementary School and caused water damage
throughout the facilities. The rain coupled with floodwaters which remained
in the building for an extended period of time caused mold to grow
throughout the building. After the water receded, the building became
infested with snakes and other vermin. These Public Assistance funds are for
the removal of water and porous materials throughout the building that
contribute to mold growth and also for the eradication of any infestations.

·       $1,855,579 for Parish Government Temporary Office Units.  High
winds and storm surge from the hurricane flooded and destroyed the St.
Bernard Parish government complex, rendering the parish unable to conduct
necessary governmental activities. These Public Assistance funds are to
reimburse the parish for the purchase and installation of seven temporary
office units. These temporary units will provide space for the functional
operation of the Purchasing, Finance, Department of Recovery, Information,
and Economic Development departments of the parish, as well as the Parish
Council and Voter Registration departments.