LOUISIANA– Damage from Hurricane Laura was of such severity that it crossed the threshold of FEMA’s normal Public Assistance cost-share rate of 75% and allowed the State of Louisiana to receive a rarely reached cost- share rate of 90% for eligible damages. This resulted in almost $22 million more for applicants to fund projects.
From rebuilding parish buildings to repairing sewer systems to restoring a children’s hospital, these projects are helping Louisiana communities recover from the hurricane.
Five major recipients received grants totaling over $19.6 million more for their projects. These include:
- Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will be granted an additional $10.1 million for debris removal.
- Jefferson Davis Electric Co-Op Emergency Generator Power Substation will be awarded an additional $3.8 million for Emergency Protective Measures.
- The city of Sulphur will receive $2.8 million more for debris removal.
- Military Department, State of Louisiana National Guard, will get an additional $1.6 million for Emergency Protective Measures taken during and following the hurricane.
- Beauregard Parish will receive $1.1 million more for debris removal.
President Biden authorized the federal cost-share increases for projects funded by FEMA’s Public Assistance Program February 22
“I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the state of Louisiana resulting from Hurricane Laura during the period of August 22 to August 27, 2020, is of sufficient severity and magnitude that special cost-sharing arrangements are warranted,” the president said.
