Update On Debris Operations In Local Waterways
Project targets debris in recreational waterways after hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Release Date: May 7, 2009
Release Number: 1603-850
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- To provide healthier waterways for boaters, fishers, other waterway users and wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is executing the fourth phase of waterways debris pick up in 23 southern parishes of Louisiana. The mission, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is focusing on recreational waterways debris generated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita after three phases of commercial waterways debris pick up were completed in July 2007.
"We have already removed debris posing an immediate threat to commercial waterways," said Tony Russell, acting director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "Now, we are focusing on the parishes' navigable waterways, working to improve their safety and appearance, to support healthy ecosystems and recreational lifestyles."
USCG is working on several debris removal contracts involving heavy vessels and light debris, such as refrigerators, submerged in the water. The contracts also include the burning of trees found in waterways as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. USCG will be awarding more contracts between now and early June 2009.
Orleans and St. Tammany parishes are already benefitting from the waterway debris clean up service. Work on waterways in Calcasieu, Cameron and Terrebonne will begin in May. USCG expects to finish removing the heavy vessels statewide by the end of June 2009.
"Light debris operations will run concurrently and continue for awhile longer, until the end of summer," said Robert Travis, USCG deputy unified commander.
The mission is being carried out in partnership with parish officials. USCG and FEMA have met at least twice with officials from each of the 23 parishes to discuss their marine and waterways debris removal needs. In a combined effort, the three parties identified hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm debris from the shore. Later, they performed surveys in 313 waterways throughout the parishes to further identify storm debris.
"Removal of marine debris has been a priority for the state," said Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. "Louisiana's waterways are vital to our economy, our environment and our way of life, and we are pleased that FEMA, the Coast Guard and local officials are collaborating to move this work forward."
To date, FEMA has provided $190 million for the Katrina and Rita waterways debris removal projects in Louisiana. A total of 1,100 derelict vessels and 48 vehicles have been removed. In addition, 175,000 cubic yards of debris have been picked up from 911 miles of waterways. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which also helped in this project, removed more than 124,000 cubic yards of waterways debris.
Created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita in 2005, the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the coordinating and planning body leading the most extensive rebuilding effort in American history. The central point for hurricane recovery in Louisiana, the LRA works closely with GOHSEP and partners with state and federal agencies to oversee more than $20 billion worth of programs, speed the pace of rebuilding, remove hurdles and red tape and ensure that Louisiana recovers safer and stronger than before. For more information about the LRA and its 17-member board, visit lra.louisiana.gov.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 12-May-2009 18:04:33