Louisiana Recovery Authority Executive Director Paul Rainwater issued the following statement yesterday on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's decision to allow the state six months to finish transitioning families in the Disaster Housing Assistance Program into permanent, sustainable housing.
"We had a productive conversation with HUD Secretary Donovan and Senator Landrieu on Tuesday, during which the federal government committed to giving us six months to finish transitioning families in the Disaster Housing Assistance Program into permanent, sustainable housing.
"This extra six months will help low-income, elderly and disabled residents into housing using Housing Choice Vouchers, which HUD has now made available to families earning up to 50 percent of the area's median income. In New Orleans, this means a four-person household earning up to $29,900 now qualifies, when previously a four-person household could only earn up to $17,950.
"Families who are not eligible for these vouchers will receive six months of continued assistance to ensure that they do not lose their housing on Mach 1.
"During the next six months, we will work aggressively to bring more affordable rental units online. With proper outreach and assistance, we feel assured that this is adequate time to transition all DHAP families into permanent housing.
"We appreciate the support received from our elected officials, as well as the nonprofit and advocacy groups who helped raise awareness of the thousands of families who could have been left homeless without this transition period. We are appreciative of the funding provided by FEMA for the DHAP program and the role they will play assisting with the transition.
"Finally, we are truly thankful to the Obama administration for heeding the state's call to help our families who were affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and prevent greater homelessness in Louisiana."
Visiting Students
Students from Gwynedd-MercyCollege, located in suburban Philadelphia, will visit New Orleans to experience its culture as part of their sociology class, “The History and Culture of New Orleans.” Taught by New Orleans native Dr. Wade Luquet, the course consists of 12 hours of classroom instruction at the College and a week in New Orleans. This semester’s trip is planned for Feb. 28 to Mar. 6, 2009. It will be the fifth year that GMC students will visit New Orleans.
FEMA Grants
Plaquemines Parish will receive $26,469,185 in federal disaster aid grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
These grants will reimburse the Parish’s expenses for the replacement of storm water pump stations throughout Plaquemines Parish. The facilities were submerged for an extended period of time in salt-infused and contaminated flood water that caused the equipment to malfunction, and pumps have failed to start. At all of the pump stations, the diesel engines, circuit breakers, portable generators, windows, doors, and the entire electrical system were damaged by the floodwaters.
“In south Louisiana, water pump stations are vital tools for managing flooding and protecting our homes and businesses during and after storms,” said Democrat Rep. Charlie Melancon of the 3rd Congressional District. “Getting these pump stations replaced and running at full capacity will help protect the people of Plaquemines Parish and their property from major damage during future storms. While we can’t always prevent flooding in our coastal communities, we can work together to lessen the impact and speed up our recovery.”
The following federal grants were announced today:
· $6,615,751.34 Upper Triumph Storm Water Pump Station (Plaquemines Parish). Located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, the pump station drains approximately 2,100 acres. The version announced today expands the scope of the work that will be reimbursed and increases the grant amount to more accurately reflect the costs incurred by the Parish for replacing the pump station and all components. Project worksheet number 17118-2.
· $7,092,781.99 Braithwaite Storm Water Pump Station (Plaquemines Parish). The storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Katrina caused major damage to the Braithwaite Storm Water Pump Station. The pump station is located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River. The version announced today expands the scope of the work that will be reimbursed and increases the grant amount to more accurately reflect the costs incurred by the Parish for replacing the pump station and all components. Project worksheet number 17119-2.
· $6,636,495.29 Belair Storm Water Pump Station (Plaquemines Parish). The storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Katrina caused major damage to the Belair Storm Water Pump Station. Located on the East Bank of the Mississippi River, the pump station drains approximately 9,042 acres. The version announced today expands the scope of the work that will be reimbursed and increases the grant amount to more accurately reflect the costs incurred by the Parish for replacing the pump station and all components. Project worksheet number 17120-2.
· $6,124,156.78 Sunrise #1 Storm Water Pump Station (Plaquemines Parish). The storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Katrina caused major damage to the Sunrise # 1 Storm Water Pump Station. The pump station is located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. The version announced today expands the scope of the work that will be reimbursed and increases the grant amount to more accurately reflect the costs incurred by the Parish for replacing the pump station and all components. Project worksheet number 17447-2.
Retail Sales
Finally, some good news.According to Reuters, Sales at US retailers unexpectedly rebounded in January, government data showed on Thursday, likely boosted by post-holiday discounts and providing a glimmer of hope for the recession-hit economy.
Aetna
Then, of course, there is the bad.Aetna Inc., the reported a 57 percent drop in profits with fourth-quarter net income fell to $194.7 million.
