[StBernard] State Approves $5.6 Million for Elevation Projects in Jefferson Parish

[Westley Annis]

State Approves $5.6 Million for Elevation Projects in Jefferson Parish

METAIRIE, La. (September 13, 2007) - Today the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOSHEP) announced approval of more than $5.6 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to elevate 30 homes in Jefferson Parish. 

"These elevations will help to break the cycle of flood-repair-flood by offering a permanent solution," said LRA Board Member Tim Coulon. "Through the state's hazard mitigation program-which is supported by local, state, federal and citizen partnerships-Louisiana is taking positive actions today that will provide for a safer tomorrow." 

The LRA authorized the release of $250 million to help parishes prevent damage from future disasters in November 2005. In accordance with the State Hazard Mitigation Program, LRA directed GOSHEP to distribute the first hazard mitigation funding available after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to parish governments. 

"Across the state money for mitigation projects is at work, and this is just another example," said Colonel Jeff Smith, GOSHEP Acting Director. "Once these structures are rebuilt with a higher first floor, floodwaters will flow under rather than through them-thereby reducing the potential for these structures to sustain repetitive flood damage in the future. Because we are all in the same insurance pool, that's good news for us all."

One of the state's top priorities is mitigation planning. Approved by GOSHEP and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), hazard mitigation plans enable communities to take actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. 

The $5.6 million in funding for this project will go toward raising 30 homes that are on the severe repetitive loss list and received multiple National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claims. 

Earlier this week, the state approved $4.2 million in funding that will be used to raise an additional 30 homes in Jefferson Parish.

As defined by the NFIP, severe repetitive loss homes have suffered damages of $1,000 or more on at least four occasions or suffered damages of more than 50 percent of their value on two or more occasions. About 1,700 homes, or about one-third of the severely and repetitively damaged homes in America, are in Louisiana. 

To access these hazard mitigation funds, parishes submit proposals to GOHSEP. The funds, which are provided under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, require a 25 percent match from parish governments or state agencies.

Projects eligible for HMGP funds include structure elevation, wind retrofitting of facilities, property acquisition, planning, mitigated reconstruction, and safe room installation. Projects must fit within the state's and local governments' overall mitigation strategy and comply with HMGP guidelines. 

A congressionally mandated study conducted for FEMA revealed that mitigation saves society an average of $4 for every dollar spent. Such defensive, preventative mitigation measures learned and implemented by Louisianians will contribute to a national floodplain management plan that saves taxpayers an estimated $1.1 billion per year by preventing flood damages.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, killing 1,464 people, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses and inflicting about $25 billion in insured losses. 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 planni! ng for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.

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