FEMA funds berm elevation at New Orleans wastewater plant

NEW ORLEANS, LA, Nov. 22, 2010 -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today $21 million in additional funding for the elevation of the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant levee, commonly referred to as a berm, which protects the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans facility from flooding.

SWBNO will use these funds to elevate the height of its flood-protecting berm. The height of the berm, which currently does not exceed more than eight feet, will be elevated to 18 feet. Raising the berm will provide optimum protection of this critical facility during future flooding events and protect more than $41 million in possible future damages that could occur at the plant during another storm such as Hurricane Katrina.

"Elevating the berm at the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant is a cost effective mitigation measure that will save tax dollars by preventing future flood waters from causing further damages," said Acting Executive Director of FEMA's Louisiana Recovery Office Joe Threat. "Additionally, it should give New Orleans residents the peace of mind that the vital functions at the plant should remain in operation during a future flood."

Capable of treating 122 million gallons of sewage a day, the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant is a critical asset for New Orleans' sewer system. The facility was overtopped with 16 feet of flood water during Hurricane Katrina, which took the entire treatment plant out of service for weeks creating a public health and safety issue.

The berm elevation project at the East Bank Wastewater Treatment Plant is expected to be completed by September 2013.

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.

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