WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 28, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., today announced nearly $107 million in recovery grants for areas in Louisiana hit hard by Hurricane Isaac. These funds are through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are available because of the Sandy Supplemental funding legislation that passed earlier this year. In her role as chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Landrieu ensured that the legislation would fund recovery efforts from disasters other than just Hurricane Sandy, including Hurricane Isaac, and that it include robust CDBG funding.
Of the $107 million, Jefferson Parish will receive $16.5 million, St. Tammany Parish will receive $8.9 million and Orleans Parish will receive $15 million. The State of Louisiana will receive an additional $66.4 million, to be distributed to among heavily impacted parishes, including St. John the Baptist and Plaquemines.
“As I worked with my colleagues on a Sandy recovery bill, I made it clear that Isaac-affected communities in Louisiana would not get left behind. Now, because of this legislation, Louisiana will receive nearly $107 million in federal funds for important recovery projects,” Sen. Landrieu said. “I will be working with HUD and our state to ensure that funds get to the parishes that need it as quickly as possible so we can get to work rebuilding and strengthening our communities.”
“This is great news for the families in Louisiana and the communities that have endured the impact of Hurricane Isaac,” Rep. Richmond said. “I am pleased with the funding announced today and thankful for HUD’s continued investment in our state. These funds come at a critical time for my constituents, as more investment is needed to spur recovery from Isaac and previous storms. I look forward to performing robust oversight over these funds to ensure that they are directed to recipients most impacted by the destruction resulting from Isaac. I also expect the state to expeditiously address the needs of my constituents in other hard hit parishes that are not singled out in this funding announcement.”
Today’s funding includes:
$66.4 million to the State of Louisiana to be distributed to Isaac-impacted parishes
$16.5 million for Jefferson Parish
$8.9 million for St. Tammany Parish
$15 million for Orleans Parish
“I want to thank Sen. Landrieu for leading the effort to secure the essential disaster recovery funds for Louisiana communities still recovering from Hurricane Isaac. As we know all too well in Jefferson Parish, HUD plays a vital role in the federal disaster response network, and I am grateful for this important investment in our community and future,” said Jefferson Parish President John Young.
“I am delighted with the news regarding the direct funding for St. Tammany’s disaster recovery needs. We are already putting plans in place to take full advantage of the program. It will mean a great deal to the people of St. Tammany. We are grateful to Sen. Landrieu for her help on this and many other issues,” said St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister.
“We are thankful for all of Sen. Landrieu’s efforts and having this opportunity to receive HUD funds will go a long way to help our residents and parish recover,” said St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom.
CDBG Disaster Recovery funds can be used for recovery efforts involving housing, economic development, infrastructure and prevention of further damage to affected areas. Specific examples include: rehabilitation of homes and buildings damaged by the disaster; buying, constructing, or rehabilitating public facilities such as streets, neighborhood centers, and water, sewer and drainage systems and helping businesses retain or create jobs in disaster impacted areas.
