Hurricane Isaac swept through St. John Parish as a Category 1 hurricane, surprising everyone, but pre-determined plans and preparation led to a quick and decisive response and recovery.

As with most successes, this unanticipated disaster has provided great opportunities to make much needed improvements that have gone undone for years.

St. John the Baptist Parish received a $32.6 million Community Development Block Grant to rebuild and recover. Working with the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development, St. John allocated funds for recovery projects based on input from the public, the CAC Community Recovery Strategy, current market conditions for housing and eligibility criteria for CDBG Disaster Recovery Programs.

Of the $32 million awarded, $20 million was allocated for Housing programs, $5 million for the school system and $7.5 million for Economic Development programs and projects.

Understanding the needs of the community, my office worked closely with the Office of Community Development to develop and implement four programs: Homeowner Rehabilitation, Homebuyer Assistance, Demolition and Clearance, and Small Rental Rehabilitation.

Following the two month application intake period, a total of 526 applications were reviewed and deemed eligible for one of the four programs. While the process is lengthy and time-consuming, 198 applicants moved through the title exams and 125 inspection reports have been completed. The next step is construction, which is anticipated to begin in October.

To assist the St. John School Board with their recovery,$5,000,000 of the infrastructure obligation was allocated to the school board to purchase buses that flooded during Hurricane Isaac.

One of the two schools that flooded was renovated, while new construction is underway for the other.

The final allocation of funds was made to Economic Development and the revitalization of the community. Beginning Sept. 29, the application intake period will begin for the $4.3 million Small Business Grant and Loan Program.

These funds are available to small businesses and non-profits to facilitate recovery for businesses hardest hit by the storm.  Those funds are also available to assist with expanding economic opportunities, replacing or purchasing equipment and filling unmet sales needs.

Award amounts will range from $10,000 to $100,000 based on the availability of funds.   Twenty percent of the award will be in the form of a grant and the other 80 percent will be in the form of a low-interest loan.  Businesses who experienced damage from Hurricane Isaac are encouraged to apply for funding. Additional information on the application intake office will be released once finalized.

St. John the Baptist Parish is also working with the St. John Housing Authority to submit an application to demolish and rebuild the Garyville Housing Complex. If the Louisiana Office of Community Development approves the application, St. John Parish will transfer approximately $3.2 million of the funds to the St. John Housing Authority for the project.

Overall community recovery is the main focus of my office. I remain committed to working with the School Board, Housing Authority, and other agencies to take advantage of the opportunities provided with millions of dollars in recovery funds. Working across agency lines, makes recovery of the entire parish easier and quicker.

For more information on the ongoing Community Development Block Grant programs and latest news, please visit sjbparish.com.

Natalie Robottom is St. John the Baptist Parish President. She can be reached at communications@sjbparish.com.