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Gov. requests federal assistance for areas impacted by Hurricane Barry

Barry flooding Youngsville.PNG
Posted at 10:15 AM, Aug 15, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-15 11:15:01-04

On Thursday, Governor John Bel Edwards requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump for Louisiana communities impacted by Hurricane Barry.

The governor's office says that Hurricane Barry triggered extensive rainfall, flash flooding, and multiple tornadoes after making landfall near Intracoastal City on July 13. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 71 mph and gusts up to 85 mph.

The request, according to the governor's office, will provide assistance for activities involved in protection of life and property, removal of debris and the repair, and restoration and replacement of damaged facilities.

A more detailed assessment of impacts and costs in affected parishes will be required before a major disaster declaration can be made.

A press release from the governor's office details the request for federal assistance:

Gov. Edwards is requesting Public Assistance in (Categories A-B) for Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana parishes. Categories A and B involve debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Additionally, Gov. Edwards is requesting Public Assistance in (Categories A-G) for Allen, Iberia, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Mary, Terrebonne and Vermilion parishes. Categories A-G involve debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent work on infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, utilities and parks.

The governor also requests Hazard Mitigation statewide.

Hazard Mitigation (HM) funding is generally 15% of the total amount of Federal assistance provided to a state, territory or federally-recognized tribe following a major disaster declaration. HM is any action taken to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural disasters.

Additional parishes may be added once the full assessment process is completed.

Read Gov. Edwards' letter to President Trump below.