Buras, Empire, Pointe-a-la Hache and Venice boat harbors all suffered damages during Hurricane Katrina. High winds, movement of large debris and a 10-foot storm surge destroyed structural components at each of the marinas.

FEMA has provided funds for the replacement of a large vessel boat hoist, reconstruction of the four marinas, and the replacement of other essential components necessary for the daily operation of the marinas. Plaquemines Parish has begun construction on three of the four marinas-Venice, Pointe-a-la Hache and Buras, which will be restored to their pre-disaster capacities and facilitate the revitalization of the local economy.

"Plaquemines Parish will be much more like it was before the storm," Jim Stark said, the Acting Associate Deputy Administrator for the Gulf Coast Recovery Office. "These FEMA funds will allow fishermen to get back to work and the local economy to continue moving along."

When project funds are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a federal Smartlink account. Once the funds have reached this account the applicant can request reimbursement from GOHSEP for eligible work completed. Obligated funds may change over time as the project is a living grant that is often adjusted as bids come in and scope of work is aligned.

"The fishing industry plays a vital role in our coastal parishes and their economy," said Mark Riley, Assistant Deputy Director, Disaster Recovery Division, GOHSEP, "The first step is to bring back our harbors, and by doing this we can provide a place for our fisherman to work again. We are happy to work with our local and federal partners to get these projects approved and begin the rebuilding process."

In January, Governor Bobby Jindal issued an Executive Order directing the Louisiana Recovery Authority to oversee FEMA's Public Assistance program. The LRA is working in conjunction with GOHSEP and its federal partners to identify ways to streamline the Public Assistance process and improve efficiency.

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. During the Public Assistance process, federal, state and local partners draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.