[StBernard] St. Bernard Parish Continues Rebuilding Key Infrastructure with Additional FEMA Grants

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Parish Continues Rebuilding Key Infrastructure with Additional
FEMA Grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced nearly $13.6
million in additional funding to repair sewage systems, canal crossings and
roads in St. Bernard Parish damaged by Hurricane Katrina.  

"These projects are a result of the continued partnership between St.
Bernard Parish and FEMA," said Parish President David Peralta. "The
additional monies will help fund major infrastructure projects and improve
the quality of life for the residents of St. Bernard Parish."

When Hurricane Katrina hit, parish-owned infrastructure sustained damages
from flooding and storm surge. The sanitary sewer system was overburdened
from storm debris and flooding of manholes. Canal crossings were inundated
and scoured by fast-flowing debris deposits. The base material under paved
roads was initially compromised by the flooding, and then further destroyed
by heavy trucks and machinery brought in to clear debris.

"Basic public infrastructure throughout St. Bernard Parish was cracked,
broken and sometimes left nearly unusable following Hurricane Katrina," said
FEMA's Louisiana Recovery Office Director Mike Womack. "Repairs and new
construction have become a way of life since then - a pathway to our
complete recovery. FEMA is committed to working side by side with the state
and parish officials to ensure all related costs are covered."

The recent series of FEMA grants work to continue the repairs to this
critical infrastructure, including: 

.         $10.2 million for work on the sanitary sewage collection system;

.         $2.2 million for roadway repairs, including materials testing and
architecture and engineering services; 

.         $697,071 for Dravo force main, a sanitary sewer force on the 40
Arpent Canal Levee; and

.         $504,840 for Rosetta and Lena canal crossings at 20 Arpent Canal.

FEMA has provided $474 million for water, sewer, roads and bridges in St.
Bernard Parish, part of more than $1.8 billion granted to date to the parish
for damages caused by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.