FEMA Funds Hazard Mitigation Plan for Port of New Orleans
A recently approved grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help the state of Louisiana and the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners develop a hazard mitigation plan that will ensure port facilities are better protected against future storms, hurricanes, or other potential disasters.
Funding from the $49,155 Hazard Mitigation grant is earmarked to develop a hazard mitigation plan compliant with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). DMA, which was established by Congress, emphasizes the need for states and communities to prepare for possible disasters by developing hazard mitigation plans for existing and future buildings.
Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, says that the grant will allow the Port to develop an individual Hazard Mitigation Plan and act independently of the city in applying to FEMA for future assistance following catastrophic events.
With 22 miles of wharves and terminals, the Port of New Orleans is one of America’s leading general cargo ports. It boosts the local economy by providing more than 160,000 jobs and contributing $800 million in taxes annually to the state.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration, to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters, and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Mar. 1, 2003.
