Skip to Content

Press Releases

Graves Announces $31.7 Million in Hurricane Ida Disaster Recovery Funds for Bayou Region

Funds are as appreciated as they are needed, but late

Washington, October 4, 2024

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced today $31,792,820.68 in federal disaster reimbursements to Lafourche Parish, Lafourche Parish Schools, Terrebonne Parish, Terrebonne Parish Schools, Port Fourchon, and SLECA.

“These funds are welcome but come with consequences when delivered years later – skyrocketing inflation shortens the length that these critical rebuilding funds can go. We’ve also been saying for years that investment in hurricane and flood protection projects will save taxpayer dollars in the long run. We will continue to deliver disaster recovery funds to our communities that need it, and push for funding and action on critical projects that keep our communities safe year-round,” added Graves.

  • Lafourche Parish - $2,620,375.20 for replacement of the Golden Meadows Library.
  • Lafourche Parish School Board - $4,268,535.64 for permanent restoration to the Larose Cutoff Middle School campus and repairs to other Lafourche Parish schools.
  • Terrebonne Parish - $1,083,168.59 for permanent repairs to pump stations and retention ponds.
  • Terrebonne Parish School Board - $18,131,880.53 for permanent restoration of the H.L Bourgeois High School, repairs to the Volkert-Archestrate Campuses, and permanent repairs to other school building restoration in Terrebonne Parish.
  • Greater Lafourche Port Commission - $1,449,507.47 for permanent work to the Site 11 Airport Hangar
  • South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association - $4,239,353.25 for the permanent restoration of the system-wide electrical transmission and distribution lines and associated equipment as a result of Hurricane Ida.

“These vital Hurricane Ida repair funds are as appreciated as they are needed, but I must point out that we’re paying for damages that occurred three years ago,” said Graves. “FEMA must move more quickly and not hold up funding for months. Our legislation recently passed in committee – among several other bills we’ve passed – will help expedite much needed assistance to victims and communities so disaster recovery can begin almost immediately.”

###