LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish was recently approved for more than $174,000 in community development grants under the Comprehensive Resiliency Program, according to a release.

Angelic Sutherland, special assistant to Parish President Natalie Robottom, said the program is designed to provide comprehensive nonstructural recovery to some of Louisiana’s most at-risk communities. She said the Gustav and Ike Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grant funding would be put toward completion of Phase four of the parish’s comprehensive master land use plan and revision of the parish’s existing zoning and subdivision ordinances.

“The goal of the grant is to help entities prepare implementation plans and to enact local policies that will result in reduced risks to people and property,” Sutherland said. “Category One is designed to finance the development of forward-thinking plans … that help lead Louisiana toward greater long-term sustainability.”