WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator David Vitter announced that FEMA will be awarding more than $6 million in grants to fund multiple safe room, drainage and acquisition projects for flood protection and hurricane preparedness in Livingston, Lafayette and Calcasieu parishes.

Livingston Parish will receive $1,013,941 for safe room development projects, while Calcasieu Parish will receive $1,447,655 for the projects.

The grants will fund the design and construction of hurricane safe rooms that will provide safety protection for first responders and other personnel who plan to stay on site during hurricane landfalls.

Lafayette Parish will receive a total of $3, 814,085 to fund the Andre Street drainage project and the acquisition of 10 residential structures. The drainage project will line the banks of Beau Basin Coulee and will help prevent future erosion as well as establish stability on high banks for neighboring residences.

The residential properties will be leveled and converted to green space in order to help improve flood resistance and future flood hazards.

The award totals to $6,275,681 in grants.