FEMA To Help Fix More Than 500 Fire Hydrants Throughout St. Bernard
Release Date: May 27, 2009
Release Number: 1603-853
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ST. BERNARD, La. -- Fire hydrants play a crucial role in fire protection measures, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with local and state officials, is providing St. Bernard Parish with public assistance funding to restore Katrina-damaged fire hydrants throughout the community.
"FEMA has been extremely involved with helping restore public infrastructures throughout St. Bernard Parish, including the repairs or replacements of ten fire stations," said FEMA's Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office Acting Director Tony Russell. "The recent funding that we have provided for the restoration of the parish's fire hydrants will definitely support the fire department's operations as they work to protect the citizens of St. Bernard."
During Hurricane Katrina, 581 of the parish's fire hydrants were damaged by flood and salt water intrusion. The salt water corroded the metal components of the hydrants, including their mechanical joints, nozzles and cap gaskets. These damages limited their operational capabilities by causing their water flow to be uneven and unreliable.
"Replacing fire hydrants may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to hurricane recovery, but this is an important step in ensuring that the fire departments in St. Bernard Parish can operate effectively," said Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority.
To help bring back these hydrants to their full capacities, FEMA has recently provided St. Bernard with more than $1.0 million for their repair or replacement.
"With many of the obstacles related to the construction of our fire houses having been resolved, we are pleased that our continued partnership with FEMA and GOHSEP will allow us to comprehensively address the fire hydrant component of our fire protection system," said St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro.
When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a federal Smartlink account. Once the funds have reached this account, the applicant can request reimbursement from GOHSEP for eligible work completed. Obligated funds may change over time as the project worksheet is a living grant that is often adjusted as bids come in and scope of work is aligned.
The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations' buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.
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: Thursday, 28-May-2009 15:41:59