The National Park Service (NPS) on Tuesday announced $29 million in emergency funding assistance for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park to aid with recovery efforts after Hurricane Ida.
According to a release, priority projects in progress include the construction of new roofing, mold remediation, and wastewater treatment plant repairs. Also included are electrical system installation, flooring, doors, windows, and interior wall repairs.
The funds also allow for the reconstruction of the three Barataria Preserve trails at Bayou Coquille, Marsh Overlook, and the visitor center. The projects are expected to be completed by 2025.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to address pressing infrastructure needs and restore visitor services,” said Rebecca Lasell, acting superintendent, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. “The funding allows us to incorporate sustainable design into the recovery projects to help promote long-term resiliency in the face of future storms. Our work will take time, and we appreciate your patience as we rebuild.”
The projects and others spread across over 50 national parks throughout the Caribbean and the southeastern United States are funded by $229 million in supplemental funds from the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 117-43) for the response to and as a defense against consequences of hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters from 2019 and 2021.