Sen. Landrieu and Rep. Richmond Announce $4.7M for Hurricane Recovery
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and Congressman Cedric Richmond, D-La., today announced $4.7 million in federal funding for continued hurricane recovery efforts in Louisiana. These grants, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program, will help pay for repairs at the Regional Transit Authority's (RTA) East New Orleans Facility and the Torah Academy's Main School Building in Metairie.
"RTA operates the city's buses and its iconic streetcars, which not only provide essential transportation services, but also hold a special place in the hearts of New Orleans' residents and the area's many visitors. This grant will help ensure that residents and visitors continue to have access to these reliable public transportation options," Sen. Landrieu said. "In addition, this funding will help Torah Academy pay for essential repairs so that its students are able to continue to receive an excellent education in a safe and secure environment."
"New Orleanians have fond memories of our streetcars," Congressman Cedric Richmond said. "I know many residents will appreciate these facility and transit repairs as we continue to rebuild and restore confidence in our city and the great state of Louisiana's resilience."
The grants announced today include:
• $2.7 million for hydraulic bus lift repairs at the Regional Transit Authority's East New Orleans Facility, which sustained significant flood damage from Hurricane Katrina. The RTA provides streetcar and bus services for the City of New Orleans. It currently operates three streetcar lines and 32 bus routes that cover 14,000 miles. The facility functions as an administrative headquarters, a bus barn, storage and wash facility, a fuel storage and fueling site, a maintenance/repair location and includes two guardhouses.
• $2 million for repairs to the Torah Academy's Main School Building, which was severely damaged by wind-driven rain, high winds and flooding due to Hurricane Katrina. High winds lifted and shifted the metal roof, allowing rainwater to enter the structure, damaging all mechanical, electrical and architectural systems. Additional costs were necessary due to the need to elevate the building because of floodplain requirements. Estimated project costs include pile foundation work, site work, demolition of the pre-existing structure and Architectural & Engineering and Project Management fees.
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