Trump OKs Major Disaster Declaration for Barry

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, August 28, 2019

BATON ROUGE — President Donald Trump notified Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards that he has approved Edwards’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration for several Louisiana parishes that sustained damage caused by Hurricane Barry.

The announcement in a prepared statement comes after teams from The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and FEMA recently completed damage assessments in the impacted areas.

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Barry made landfall near Intracoastal City July 13 as a Category 1 hurricane. Storms associated with Hurricane Barry began impacting the state July 10.

“While Barry did not cause widespread problems across the state, there were still issues where the hurricane made landfall as well as flooding from southeast Louisiana and southwest Louisiana to central Louisiana,” Edwards said. “We appreciate President Trump approving the state’s request as we help support our local partners. We are now in the heart of hurricane season, and it’s important for the state, our local partners and our citizens to stay prepared and informed as threats such as Dorian continue to develop.”

The Public Assistance categories are as follows:

• Category A: Debris Removal.

• Category B: Emergency Protective Measures.

• Category C: Roads and Bridges.

• Category D: Water Control Facilities.

• Category E: Buildings and Equipment.

• Category F: Utilities.

• Category G: Parks, Recreational Facilities and Other Items

Summary of Public Assistance Approval (Emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities):

Allen, Iberia, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Mary, Terrebonne, and Vermillion Parishes for all categories of Public Assistance.

Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana Parishes for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance.

Summary of Hazard Mitigation (Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards):

All areas in the state of Louisiana are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

There was no request for Individual Assistance because damage assessment data did not indicate it was warranted.

Note: Additional parishes may be included in the Major Disaster Declaration as damage assessment work is completed and reviewed.