[StBernard] State and St. Bernard Parish programs will tow storm-flooded vehicles off public rights-of-way

[Westley Annis]

Smashed and mud-stained vehicles and boats left in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina's flood waters will soon start to disappear from the public
rights-of-way in St. Bernard Parish as the state, in conjunction with parish
government, begins a program to tow them away, a move applauded by Parish
President Henry "Junior'' Rodriguez.
 
"This is a long-time coming and will help the parish'' by improving looks
and helping vehicle owners who want to rid themselves of the flooded
vehicles, Rodriguez said.
An exact number of cars, trucks, boats and other type vehicles to be removed
is uncertain but will be in the thousands. The public right-of-way, besides
the actual street, generally includes the area from the edge of a sidewalk
closest to a home out to the curb.
 
State Police teams began putting stickers on vehicles Monday in St. Bernard
and will send a certified letter to the registered owner's last known
address. The program recently began in New Orleans as well. After three
days, the vehicle will be towed to a staging area, where, after another
letter and a 30-day wait, it can be crushed. 
The state has said the scrap metal will be sold through a separate contract
that hasn't been bid but the proceeds will be used to repay FEMA, if
necessary, for towing expenses.
 
Toll-free numbers have been established so property owners can find out if
their vehicle or boat has been towed to a staging area. For cars, trucks,
etc., call  1-(877)-244-2540. The number for boat information is
1-(877)-244-2541.
 
St. Bernard Parish has begun using its abandoned vehicle ordinance to
sticker vehicles and remove them in 10 days if there isn't a response from
an owner. The parish will keep logs of vehicles and boats assigned to a
towing company to be towed.
Authorities can't go on private property to remove flooded vehicles or boats
but some owners have apparently pushed vehicles on to public right-of-ways
in some cases when they wanted them towed.
 
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