In south Louisiana where nearly everything is below sea level, there might be few things as important as pumping stations that help keep Louisiana from flooding and FEMA recently approved funding for upgrades to the pump station in Paradis.
Under FEMA’s hazard Mitigation Grant Program, $562,500 has been earmarked to install a so-called “bar screen cleaning system” at the Paradis pump station. The bar screen system is designed to collect debris which aids in keeping the pumps flowing smoothly, free from clogs.
The bar screens currently in place can become blocked with large amounts of debris during periods of heavy rain. These screens must be cleaned manually which can be difficult during a bad storm. The new bar screen system does not require manual cleaning and will help keep the pump running at full operation at all times, according to FEMA officials.
St. Charles parish received a second grant under the hazard mitigation program for $8,756 that will be used to retrofit building shutters at the Department of Public Works and Wastewater main building located in Luling. It’s important to have this building in operation said Parish President Albert Laque because after a hurricane, the facility serves as an operation’s center and shelter for employees of public works.
The shutters being installed on the building can withstand and help minimize damage from winds up to 145 miles per hour, the same winds produced by a Category 5 hurricane.
“I am happy to say that with FEMA’s help, we have taken the first step in making sure the windows on our public works building can resist hurricane force winds,” Laque said.
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