Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has announced that the state will receive $5,494,688 in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with disaster recovery. This funding aims to address the impacts of Hurricanes Laura and Ida, as well as issues related to saltwater intrusion.

"Hurricane damage and saltwater intrusion pose major threats to Louisianians’ safety and property. This $5.5 million will help Lake Charles and other parts of our state recover from Hurricanes Laura and Ida, and cover the costs Plaquemines Parish faced because of saltwater intrusion," said Kennedy.

The allocation includes several specific projects:

- The Office of Risk Management is set to receive $1,656,558 for repairs on 14 state agency buildings affected by Hurricane Ida.

- Lake Charles will be granted $1,309,318 for demolishing residential buildings that are at risk of collapse due to damage from Hurricane Laura.

- Plaquemines Parish will benefit from two separate grants: $1,282,648 for emergency protective measures at the Boothville Water Treatment Plant and $1,246,164 for similar measures at the Port Sulphur Water Treatment Plant. Both facilities have been impacted by saltwater intrusion.

This financial aid is intended to support ongoing recovery efforts in areas severely affected by these natural disasters.