WASHINGTON - Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr., M.D. (R- Lafayette) announced that FEMA has awarded the state of Louisiana two grants for disaster preparedness worth a combined $10,357,122.

One grant, the Storm Water Mitigation Project for Pontilly (Ponchartrain Park and Gentilly), provides $5, 350,000 in funding for drainage improvements that will allow for the drainage system to  accommodate much higher storm frequencies and lead to the reduction of flooding.

The second grant for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) Statewide Generator Project provides $5,007,122 in funding for 18 permanent generators to be uses at critical facilties throughout the state, including nine in Vermilion Parish.

 “In Louisiana, we know all too well the consequences of not being properly equipped for a hurricane. Even less severe storms can cause flooding and power outages that can wreak havoc on our communities if we are not adequately prepared,” Congressman Boutsany said.

“These grants help to ensure we take the necessary steps to prevent severe storms from escalating into large-scale disasters wherever possible,” he said.