Landrieu Recognizes Jefferson Parish Officials’ Successful Push for Additional $1.8M From FEMA
FEMA awarded JPPSS additional funding after readjustment of original funding cap
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, today congratulated Jefferson Parish officials for securing $1.8 million for Jefferson Parish Public School System (JPPSS) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). After the amount of insurance payouts was reduced, FEMA stepped up to ensure JPPSS received the funding that was originally promised. Today’s grant will be used to continue improving facilities and resources of Jefferson Parish public schools required as a result of Hurricane Katrina, and is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. In 2013, Sen. Landrieu passed the most recent reforms to the Robert T. Stafford Act to provide robust funding for communities in the wake of a disaster. “Today’s funding will provide the Jefferson Parish Public School System with the necessary funding to improve educational facilities and resources for students across the parish and will ensure they have every opportunity to prepare for a successful future,” Sen. Landrieu said. “I am happy to see that FEMA stepped up to the plate and recognized the additional need for funding. I would like to congratulate the Jefferson Parish officials for their hard work to ensure that FEMA filled the funding gap.” "We are grateful to Sen. Landrieu for her help in securing this reimbursement of the Public Assistance Grant for the Jefferson Parish Public School System. The reimbursement is critical, as it allows us to move forward with replacing needed educational supplies for our students and continue our work to provide every Jefferson Parish student with the high quality education they deserve,” said Dr. James Meza, Superintendent of Jefferson Parish Public School System. This grant, authorized by Section 406 of Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, provides assistance to state and local entities with response and recovery efforts from natural disasters, like hurricanes. The Public Assistance program issues funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent restoration of infrastructure, along with preventative aid to protect critical infrastructure from future damage.
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