Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has announced the allocation of nearly $5.7 million in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness. The funds are designated for the installation of generators across three parishes: Vermilion, St. Helena, and St. John the Baptist.

“Louisianians work hard to make their communities more resilient and prepare for the next storm. This $5.7 million will make sure Vermilion, St. Helena and St. John the Baptist Parishes are equipped with back-up power to better withstand severe weather,” said Kennedy, who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The grants include allocations for both the installation of generators and associated management costs. Vermilion Parish will receive $2,330,986 for five permanent natural gas generators and an additional $116,549 for related management costs. St. John the Baptist Parish is allocated $1,725,750 for two permanent industrial generators and $95,875 for management costs. Lastly, St. Helena Parish will receive $1,315,800 for 11 permanent industrial generators and $73,100 for management costs.

The new equipment is expected to strengthen the resilience of these communities against severe weather events by providing reliable backup power sources.