Landrieu Urges Local Leaders to Maximize Impact of Hazard Mitigation Funds

Press Release

After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Louisiana received approximately $1.4 billion for hazard mitigation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, after a recalculation of the total estimated costs for recovery and response, it became clear that the state was eligible for nearly $390 million in additional funds. U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., worked hard to push FEMA to conduct the recalculation and to send this money down to the local level. Today, she said she agrees with the state's decision to send these mitigation funds to local leaders, because they are in the best position to decide how these funds can be most effectively leveraged within their communities.

"When I secured the additional $390 million by pushing FEMA to recalculate Louisiana's fair share of mitigation funds, there were two things that were clearly communicated to the state of Louisiana. One, that this additional money would go only to parishes affected by Katrina and Rita, distributed to them relative to the damage. Secondly that the parish presidents and local officials would be trusted to allocate this money in the best interest of the parish and the taxpayers generally. This comes with the understanding that no additional mitigation money is forthcoming from FEMA for Katrina and Rita," Sen. Landrieu's said.

Hazard mitigation funds can be used by property owners to elevate or retrofit homes with storm shutters or hurricane-proof windows and by local government officials to repair levees, improve drainage or strengthen school buildings and other public facilities.

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