[StBernard] LRA Board of Directors Endorses Plans for Affordable Rental Housing, Mobile Home Owners and Economic

[Westley Annis]

LRA Board of Directors Endorses Plans for Affordable Rental Housing, Mobile Home Owners and Economic Development Program 

Other action involved outstanding infrastructure needs, assistance for building code compliance 


BELLE CHASSE, La. - In an effort to expand the state's Road Home program, the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) Board of Directors endorsed a proposal to provide low-income housing tax credits aimed at creating workforce housing in mixed-income communities. These changes, adopted today at the board's monthly meeting in Plaquemines Parish, will now go to the Louisiana Legislature for final approval. 

Before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it was estimated that almost half of available housing stock in the storm-affected areas consisted of rental units. More than 82,000 rental units sustained major or severe damage. 

"One of the greatest legacies we can leave for our recovery is affordable housing," said Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. "Congratulations to the LRA, the Office of Community Development and the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency for partnering on an action plan that envisions affordable housing in mixed-income communities that do not concentrate poverty. These communities provide the tools to climb the ladder out of poverty."

Creating mixed income developments remains a primary goal of the Road Home rental housing program. A significant portion of the funding, known as the Piggyback Program, will be devoted to spurring mixed income projects that provide market rate housing, workforce housing and housing for extremely low income households. 

The amendment included a revision to the Road Home housing assistance program regarding the eligibility of mobile home owners and manufactured home owners. The amendment defines that all owners of mobile homes and manufactured homes who meet the criteria of eligibility under the program may be eligible for financial assistance under the Road Home. 

The LRA board also endorsed a proposal to use $14 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds to provide assistance to local governments as they implement the new statewide building codes. The initiative will offer training for code enforcement officials so they can accurately implement the provisions of the revised code. Parishes without a building inspection office will be provided with resources to create one. 

"Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have created many challenges for building inspectors and permitting officials," said LRA Board Member Tim Coulon. "This funding will assist them in their inspection needs, but also provide statewide support for inspectors to train under new codes that mandate safe rebuilding - part of our ongoing commitment to making Louisiana safer, stronger and smarter." 

The board has also approved a plan to invest in the research capacity of universities impacted by hurricanes Rita and Katrina. In conjunction with the Board of Regents, the program would help attract research talent and help transfer the resulting technology to Louisiana businesses in the affected areas. 

"This program sends a strong signal to research and education institutions, faculty members and students that the state is committed to the long-term success of its research and academic institutions and their economic potential in the region," said LRA Board Member Matt Stuller. 

The program, which would dedicate $28.5 million to the effort, would build upon Louisiana's existing research transfer program, as well as others, including that of the Georgia Research Alliance.

"This is great news. When all is done, this will be a blueprint we can use for the rest of the state," said LRA Board Member Sean Reilly. 

The plan now moves to the Legislature for final approval.

LRA Board Member Walter Isaacson later provided the board with an update on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) revenue legislation pending before the U. S. Congress. The law would afford Louisiana with an ongoing source of revenue to fund projects aimed at restoring the eroding coastline. President Bush expressed support for the legislation during his visit to New Orleans last month. 

"For the first time in the history of our country, we have a real chance to get some share of offshore oil revenue," said Isaacson. "If successful, these funds will be dedicated directly to coastal restoration, hurricane protection and related issues. The Governor has pushed this issue with President Bush and made it the top order of business. We urge the Congress to reach a compromise before they adjourn next month." 

During the afternoon session, more than 50 National Guard Liaison Officers were honored for their role in Louisiana's recovery. Each officer was presented with a certificate acknowledging their extraordinary service, dedication and commitment to Louisiana's rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

Since October, the officers served as community liaisons in parishes throughout South Louisiana, ensuring that information was communicated to officials and stakeholders at the local level and that their questions and concerns are communicated back directly to the LRA.

"These fine men and women have acted as our eyes and ears - communicating any issues, problems or areas of concern back to us," said LRA Board Chairman Norman C. Francis.

During the early stages of the recovery, the officers played a critical role in Louisiana's long term recovery by working with FEMA's ESF 14 division to help set up Parish Recovery Planning Teams in 19 of the severely impacted parishes.

Other guardsmen and women also served the recovery by establishing and staffing the operations center at LRA headquarters, compiling data and statistics relevant to the recovery.

In other action, the Infrastructure Task Force provided an update on remaining funding for critical repair projects including fire stations, police stations and water and sewage systems. The board also heard public comment regarding outstanding infrastructure needs, specifically within private schools and privately-owned utility companies. The board is expected to take up the infrastructure funding issue at its next board meeting. 

The Health Care Committee provided an update on its work with the Louisiana Health Care Redesign Collaborative to create a community-based delivery system built around medical homes that will coordinate services for patients relying on the state for access to care. The group also reported on its plans to build the foundation for the new delivery system by integrating modernized health care facilities into the community long-term planning process.

On behalf of the Education Task Force, LRA Board Member Linda Johnson proposed the creation of an Education Committee to review K-12 education issues in hurricane impacted parishes and offer recommendations to the LRA Board. The new entity would replace the task force. Johnson also announced a proposal to construct a K-12 school within the Jackson Barracks Military Museum. 

The Long Term Community Planning Task Force presented the final Duany Plater-Zyberk charrette reports for downtown Lake Charles, Vermilion Parish and St. Bernard Parish. Each report included comprehensive recommendations for community planning. Following the presentation, LRA Board Member Donna Fraiche shared the results summary from the regional planning workshops held in July and August. 

Board resolutions and presentations for today's board meeting are available on the LRA website at www.lra.louisiana.gov <http://keelson.eatel.net/websites/la.gov/action.cfm?md=communication&task=addClick&msg_ID=2472&ID=d9j%2AkXm%28lbml&redirect=http://www.lra.louisiana.gov> . 





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Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.