On Thursday, September 10, officials gathered from across the parish to hear Governor John Bell Edwards thoughts on debris clean-up during his visit to the Allen Parish Police Jury office.
He stated, “The cleanup process is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. We have requested FEMA assistance in every category they offer. They have approved this coverage; all you need to do is apply. We have also requested the cost share be waived. Texas received it for Hurricane Harvey.
“We made it through the worst hurricane since 1856 with only one death, due to the hurricane itself. There have been 28 in total. We need to work on generator safety in the future.”
The governor brought the heads of DCFS, FEMA, the National Guard and DOTD to discuss their jobs during the recovery process and ways to call for assistance.
FEMA has also decided to give a one time $500 payment to critical needs in the parishes that were deemed a disaster area. They will also be reimbursing $499 for those who bought generators. You can apply for FEMA disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov.
Governor Edwards did say that at the moment of the meeting that FEMA had only approved a 75-25 debris match program, meaning the parish will have to pay 25 percent of the debris contract. The parish can use volunteer hours as part of this 25 percent as well as any staff augmentation (added staff) needed during the recovery process. Edwards also said they have requested FEMA reimburse 100 percent for debris cleanup.
Keith Wardell with the National Guard addressed attendees and thanked them for the hospitality given to all the national guardsmen who have been working in Allen Parish. The Louisiana National Guard was activated across the state. There were over 100 just in Allen Parish. They have served over 255,000 meal, distributed over 390,000 bottles of water, handed out 5,400 tarps, cleared 22 miles of roadway and have 24 generators handed out to critical needs. They have also began COVID-19 testing at the Oakdale Health Unit. The La. National Guard was in Allen Parish within 24 hours of Laura’s passing.
DOTD Secretary Dr. Shawn Wilson gave a brief summary of the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. He said there was over 60,000 cubic yards or 300 miles of debris to be cleared. He said they will have the first pass of cleanup done in a month and then will return for a second pass. He also said they are attempting to get all traffic lights working. He requested for residents who are still in areas that don’t have working signals to please follow the law when encountering signals that aren’t in working order.
Sheriff Doug Hebert mentioned to Wilson that APSO officers needed barricades during and immediately after the storm and that they got no help. “We drove to Lake Charles looking for barricades and they would not help us. We ended up just taking what we needed to keep our citizens safe.”
DSNAP registration was also provided. You can call 1-888-524-3578 or register online at www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe or www.dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP.
