[StBernard] FEMA Announces Initial Funding of State Homeowner Elevation Program

[Westley Annis]

WEDNESDAY: FEMA Officials Announce Initial Funding of
State's Homeowner Elevation Program


METAIRIE, La. (May 13, 2008) - Tomorrow FEMA will announce the largest ever Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for the state of Louisiana's elevation program, which is set to distribute up to $30,000 for each eligible homeowner to elevate their homes. Officials from FEMA, the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the Office of Community Development - Disaster Recovery Unit and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will make this announcement at the site of an elevated home in Metairie. 

WHO: Jim Stark, FEMA's Acting Associate Administrator for Gulf Coast Recovery
Paul Rainwater, Executive Director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority

WHEN: 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2008

WHERE: 1616 David Dr., Metairie, LA 70003

Click here for a map of this location. http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1616+David+Dr.,+Metairie,+LA+70003&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=45.8712,117.070313&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr <http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1616+David+Dr.,+Metairie,+LA+70003&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=45.8712,117.070313&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr>  



FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. 

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, 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 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.

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