LSU Clinical Education Building Receives Millions For Repairs
Release Date: June 17, 2009
Release Number: 1603-856
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Katrina
» More Information on Louisiana Hurricane Rita
» 2009 Region VI News Releases
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) is one step closer to fully repairing the LSU Clinical Education Building after recent federal funding results in millions more to help cover the Katrina-damaged facility, announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA).
FEMA's Public Assistance funding for repairs to the facility includes mitigation measures to build back storm resistant and to protect assets. Such work will include waterproofing the elevator shaft and constructing a 12,000-square-foot mechanical and electrical enclosure above an existing parking area to house the facility's critical systems equipment. This equipment was previously housed in the basement and was compromised when the basement was submerged by Katrina's floodwater.
"We are thrilled that the building which provides office space to most of our clinical faculty in the School of Medicine has been approved," said Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ronnie Smith. "This is a major step forward and what we hope is the beginning of a series of major project approvals that will enable us to return to full function and service to the city, region and state."
During Hurricane Katrina, the historic 304,995 square-foot, eight-story Clinical Education Building, also known as the Old Medical School, on Tulane Avenue incurred significant damage from the storm's heavy winds, rain and flooding. Katrina's floodwater rose to within two inches of the top of the first floor's main level, damaging auditorium spaces on the first floor as well as the basement below.
The upper floors, the roof and the exterior portions of the facility also received damages resulting from wind blown debris and driven rain. In addition, the facility's larger systems - air conditioning, mechanical, electrical, plumping and communications - were all considerably damaged.
"New Orleans' health care facilities were greatly devastated by Hurricane Katrina," said FEMA's Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office Acting Director Tony Russell. "And, as in any city, a working and effective health care system is essential for the well being of the whole community. Our recent funding for the Clinical Education Building is just one example of our steadfast commitment to rebuild this city's health care infrastructure with our local and state partners."
The recently provided federal grant totals $10.8 million and was awarded to Louisiana's Facility Planning and Control to cover increased repair costs to LSUHSC's Clinical Education Building, amend the scope of work for the project to include the reconnection of an electrical panel and to consolidate costs from a previous project worksheet to facilitate the repair of the damaged facility.
"It's encouraging that there is finally movement in repairing LSUHSC. Not only is it vital to bring back this important facility in New Orleans, but the use of hazard mitigation measures is also critical to ensure that the facility is restored safer, smarter and stronger than before," said Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority.
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 the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (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, 18-Jun-2009 16:47:18