By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

VACHERIE-The Vacherie Water Plant has received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant that will reduce the risk of plant failure in the event of an emergency.

The plant has been awarded a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program Grant (HMPG) to be used for upgrades to the plant’s infrastructure to better withstand severe weather. The grant money will be used to elevate the plant’s electrical panels and controls and to install Miami Dade level hurricane shutters. The upgrades will minimize the chance that high winds and flooding can shut down or weaken the plant’s ability to process clean water.

HMPG is a federal grant program for state and local governments to assist in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster to reduce the loss of life and property in the aftermath and recovery of the event.

Grant funding totaled $534,660 for the improvements, and to bring the plant up to current building inspection codes.

St. James Parish President Dale Hymel, Jr. said that Hurricane Katrina taught the parish many lessons about preparedness that are currently being implemented. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public infrastructure during not only an emergency response, but especially for recovery.

&#8220People depend on governmental services each and every day, and any disruption in services can have a critical domino effect on people’s lives,” Hymel said.

&#8220Nearly 9,000 residents in St. James Parish rely on the clean water produced at the plant. By strengthening the plant’s defenses, we will be able to continue to preserve a valuable resource necessary the sustenance of the community,” said Jim Stark, director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office.

St. James Director of Operations, Jody Chenier, said that while the Vacherie Water Plant only sustained minor damages during Katrina, it was enough to have them require assistance in order to better prepare for natural disasters.