[StBernard] First Repaired Fire Station Opens in St. Bernard Parish

[Westley Annis]

First Repaired Fire Station to Open in St. Bernard Parish

Federal and State Officials to Give Remarks at Grand Opening


Arabi, LA (August 26, 2008) - Today federal and state officials joined St. Bernard Parish President Craig Tafarro at the grand opening of Fire Station Number 1 in St. Bernard Parish. This event marks the first fire station in the parish to complete renovations and reopen. 

"This day marks significant progress in the recovery of St. Bernard Parish," said LRA Executive Director Paul Rainwater. "Residents can move back to their homes here in Arabi with a renewed sense of confidence in their public safety infrastructure. I applaud Chief Thomas Stone for his commitment to his firemen and to this community."

FEMA and the state of Louisiana have invested more than $112,000 in Public Assistance funds for the renovations of this structure that received approximately 11 feet of water in the flooding that followed Hurricane Katrina three years ago. 

"We know that local first responders have to be able to adequately perform their duti! es. This is why FEMA is very pleased to help fund the repairs to this critical facility," said Acting Associate Deputy Administrator for FEMA's Gulf Coast Recovery Office Jim Stark. "We are happy to see federal tax dollars going to good use for such an important project. This is what the FEMA program is all about."

The interior of the facility was completely destroyed and consequently gutted and renovated. In an effort to remain operational during future disasters, the living quarters were relocated to the second floor of the building. 

St. Bernard Fire Station Number 1 is currently serving twice the area it did prior to the storm. Before the reopening of the renovated facility, the fire department operated out of a temporary trailer. The newly renovated facility is located at 1500 Aycock Street in Arabi, La. 

"With hurricane season in its most active months we are reminded just how important it is to have these critical infrastructures i! n place," said Mark Cooper, Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director. "This is a monumental day for the residents of St. Bernard Parish. It shows the progress and determination of federal, state and local partners to recover and rebuild from the devastating hurricanes of 2005."

When project funds are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a federal Smartlink account. Once the funds have reached this account the applicant can request reimbursement from the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) for eligible work completed. Obligated funds may change over time as the project worksheet is a living grant that is often adjusted as bids come in and scope of work is aligned. 

Governor Bobby Jindal issued an Executive Order early in his administration directing the LRA to be responsible for the state's actions with regard to FEMA's Public Assistance program. The LRA is working in conjunction with GOHSEP and its federal partners to identify ways to streamline the Public Assistance process and improve efficiency. 

The FEMA Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations' buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

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 17-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.

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. 

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