Shreveport, LA – According to the state officials, this round of HMGP funding will be used to support ongoing recovery and mitigation projects and is in addition to the first installment of $85 million that was allocated earlier this year.
Through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 the federal cost share increased from 75 percent to 90 percent with a 10 percent match from local governments.
Governor Edwards has directed the Office of Community Development to provide funding to fully pay that local match requirement in its request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for disaster recovery assistance.
In addition, the state has contracted for technical assistance to local governments to expedite project development, approval and completion.
Working with our local partners, the goal is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property by lessening the impact of a disaster.
Examples of mitigation work include residential elevation, reconstruction or acquisition of flood prone structures and converting land to green space, localized drainage improvements, safe room construction, wind retrofit of structures and emergency power for critical facilities. Hazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction and repeat damage.
Governor Edwards reportedly said:
“Thanks to our state, local and federal partners we were able to secure this funding, and I am grateful for all of their hard work. Hurricane Ida devastated our people and our coast nearly one year ago, and while the recovery process is often long and complicated, we will use these funds to not only further the restoration efforts still underway but also on projects designed to minimize the impacts of future storms.”