FEMA Rita aid continues, passes $1.3 billion

As Louisianans reflect on their rebuilding accomplishments since Hurricane Rita’s devastating blow on Sept. 24, 2005, the Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to aid in the state’s restoration, supported by more than $1.3 billion in federal grants.

“Communities in southwest Louisiana have overcome amazing odds to rebuild their towns following Hurricane Rita’s destruction. Today, swaths of land once cleared of everything but pilings now house state-of-the-art schools, libraries and government buildings,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Director Mike Womack.

For these communities, FEMA has provided nearly $668.8 million in public assistance grants for initial projects such as debris removal and emergency protective measures and later grants to repair or rebuild public facilities damaged by Hurricane Rita. Of this funding, $216.5 million was provided for recovery work in Cameron Parish and $122.1 million for work in Calcasieu Parish.

For a photo essay of some of the permanent work projects in these two parishes, visit http://www.fema.gov/la8year. These facilities, along with many others, tell their own accounts of recovery progress.

In addition, more than 175,000 households throughout Louisiana received $523.5 million in funding under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program for their own personal recovery efforts from Hurricane Rita, including $417.7 million in housing assistance for rent, repairs and replacement housing and $105.8 million in other needs assistance for such things as furniture, clothing and replacement vehicles.

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program also set aside $137.9 million to help prevent future losses of lives and properties. The grants help communities rebuild stronger and smarter by providing funding for projects such as elevations, acquisitions, pilot reconstructions and retrofitting.

For more information about Louisiana’s recovery from both hurricanes Katrina and Rita and to view the 8th Year Photo Essay, visit www.fema.gov/la8year.