Louisiana’s Sen. Landrieu Announces $33.9M for Hurricane Katrina Recovery
U.S. Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., has announced more than $33.9 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair New Orleans’ damaged water system, Plaquemines Parish’s Venice Boat Harbor and Orleans Parish’s Templeman Prison Complex.
“Six years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Gulf Coast region continues to recover and rebuild from these devastating storms,” said Sen. Landrieu, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. “I am pleased that this funding will allow for the completion of projects that are vital to Louisiana’s long-term recovery from Hurricane Katrina.”
The New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board will receive roughly $30.3 million to redevelop the city’s water infrastructure system, which endured catastrophic damage during Hurricane Katrina and has since been the source of numerous leaks and water loss. The grant will allow the installation of new water distribution pumps and associated equipment.
Plaquemines Parish will receive around $2.3 million to remove sediment and debris from the Venice Boat Harbor and return the area to its pre-disaster condition.
The Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office will receive approximately $1.3 million to replace the main kitchen facility at the Templeman Prison Complex, which endured significant damage and requires new equipment. The grant also allows the parish to construct a temporary kitchen for use until the new one is complete. Before the hurricane, the facility provided 20,000 meals per day and dishwashing for 7,200 inmates and personnel staff.