More FEMA Money Allocated to Superdome Repairs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced nearly $1 million in additional recovery aid to the Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control for remaining, Katrina-related repairs at the Louisiana Superdome.  

"Our recent grant is part of FEMA's continued effort to support Louisiana's full recovery from Hurricane Katrina," said FEMA's Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. "The funding reimburses completed ticket booth repairs at the Superdome as well as provides for parking garage #6 repairs, which are scheduled to take place this year."

Home to the National Football League's New Orleans Saints, the Louisiana Superdome-now officially named the Mercedes-Benz Superdome-is a sports arena located in downtown New Orleans. Generally referred to as the largest fixed domed structure in the world, the Superdome also gained international attention in 2005 when it was used as a "shelter of last resort" for those in New Orleans unable to evacuate from Hurricane Katrina. 

The force of Hurricane Katrina's 150 mph winds destroyed the outer membrane of the Superdome, leaving it exposed to serious damages by rain and debris. As a result, FEMA has provided approximately $42.8 million overall, including the agency's recent grant. Recovery efforts at the arena include debris removal operations; the replacement of the dome's exterior skin, seating, synthetic turf and fixtures; and repairs to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

To date, FEMA has obligated approximately $11.5 billion in public assistance funding for Katrina and Rita related recovery work throughout Louisiana.

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.  

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations' buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion. 

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.