[StBernard] The LRA Progress Report - October 20, 2006

[Westley Annis]

The LRA Progress Report - October 20, 2006 


New Road Home Policy Offers Additional Mitigation Grants


Now, homeowners who apply for Road Home funding, may receive additional dollars to help protect their homes against future water and wind damage. A new provision to the program allows all homeowners who apply to receive up to $37,500 for undertaking specific mitigation measures when rebuilding their homes, including $30,000 for elevation. The original policy capped assistance for all mitigation measures at $30,000. 

Homeowners who do not receive compensation grants for home repairs from The Road Home may still be eligible to receive mitigation grants so that all homeowners will be better prepared for potential future damage. The maximum Road Home grant, including mitigation, is still $150,000. Homeowners who are eligible for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) funding from the National Flood Insurance Program, will still be eligible for Road Home elevation funds of up to $30,000 (based on the cost of elevating the home) in addition to ICC funds up to a total maximum of $60,000 for elevation. 

Homeowners may also receive up to $7,500 to complete specific non-elevation mitigation measures such as reinforcing garage doors, raising the washer and dryer, and raising or relocating water heaters or furnaces to a higher level. Various forms of window protection such as installing shutters, installing impact resistant glass or window covers also fall u! nder the non-elevation mitigation category. Visit www.road2la.org <http://www.road2la.org>  for more information. 

Health Care Redesign Committee Established to Study Post-Rita Health Care Issues


Dr. Fred Cerise, Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary and Chair of the Louisiana Health Care Redesign Collaborative, has formed the Region 5 Health Care Redesign Committee to focus on health care issues relative to the areas affected by Hurricane Rita. Region 5 consists of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson-Davis parishes. 

The Committee will have its first meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 5-7 p.m. in the Contraband Room of the Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, La. The group will develop a report on health care issues in Region 5 to submit to Dr. Cerise and the Collaborative. For more information on the full Redesign Collaborative or the Region 5 Health Care Redesign Committee, visit www.healthcareredesign.dhh.louisiana.gov <http://www.healthcareredesign.dhh.louisiana.gov> .

NeighborWorks Sponsors Homeowner Information Session 


NeighborWorks, along with FDIC and the Road Home, is hosting a homeowner information session this weekend. Homeowners will learn about housing recovery options under the Road Home program including how to access compensation for losses, connect with community resources, safeguard financial interests and make informed decisions. The workshop will be in Baton Rouge on Saturday and New Orleans on Sunday and Monday. Attendees must be pre-registered as seating is limited. Call 1-866-861-7508 for more information.

Upcoming events: 


Monday, November 6, 2006
Event: LRA Board of Directors meeting 
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: TBD in Jefferson Parish 

Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Event: LRA Economic & Workforce Development Task Force meeting 
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Governor's Press Room, 4th Floor of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Event: LRA Economic & Workforce Development Task Force meeting 
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Governor's Press Room, 4th Floor of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Meeting agendas are posted on the LRA Web site as soon as they are available. All meetings are open to the public.