Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has announced federal grants amounting to $27,580,024 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These funds are allocated to support recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Ida, as well as addressing saltwater intrusion in Louisiana.

"Louisiana communities are tough as a boot and work hard to rebuild from any kind of disaster. This $27.6 million will help Louisianians recover from the heavy costs of saltwater intrusion and Hurricanes Laura and Ida," stated Kennedy.

The FEMA aid distribution will cover various projects across the state. Jefferson Parish will receive $16,470,490 for temporary freshwater pipeline costs incurred due to saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River. The Office of Risk Management is set to receive $4,618,876 to repair 23 buildings at Nicholls State University damaged by Hurricane Ida. The Lafourche Parish School Board will get $2,560,880 to repair South Lafourche High School, also impacted by the same hurricane.

Additionally, $1,751,666 will be directed to the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District for their earthen levee protection system, while the city of Kenner, La. will receive $1,170,252 for repairs to the Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury is allocated $1,007,860 for repair works at Israel Lafleur Park in Lake Charles, La., following the damage caused by Hurricane Laura.

Together, these funds are intended to aid in the significant recovery efforts needed in Louisiana communities impacted by these natural disasters.