Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy has announced new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants totaling $8,588,163 to aid in disaster recovery efforts for communities in southern Louisiana affected by Hurricanes Laura and Ida. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Kennedy has been active in securing funds to address the urgent needs following the devastation caused by the storms.

In his statement, Kennedy highlighted the impact of the hurricanes, stating, "Hurricanes Laura and Ida devastated communities in south Louisiana. This $8.6 million will help Louisianians in Terrebonne Parish, Sulphur and Lake Charles recover from the heavy costs these storms caused."

The breakdown of the FEMA aid is as follows:

- $2,871,224 is allocated to the Terrebonne Parish School Board. These funds will support the repairs of Bourg Elementary, Mulberry Elementary, and West Park Buildings that suffered damage during Hurricane Ida.

- $2,466,920 is directed to the Terrebonne General Medical Center to cover management costs related to the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

- $1,734,597 is earmarked for the demolition and replacement of facilities at Center Circle Park in Sulphur, which were damaged during Hurricane Laura.

- $1,515,422 will go to the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District to aid in repairing damage from Hurricane Laura.

This financial assistance is expected to play a crucial role in rebuilding and improving the resiliency of the affected infrastructure in these areas.