After Francine, President Biden declares disaster in 8 Louisiana parishes

President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration Tuesday for eight Louisiana parishes that saw the greatest impact from Hurricane Francine last week. More parishes could be added as state officials continue to assess damage, according to Gov. Jeff Landry.

The declaration covers Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes.

The action from the White House paves the way for the federal government to reimburse Louisiana for any recovery-related costs it cannot cover on its own. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help home and business owners recover, according to the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Federal funding is also available statewide on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures. Resources are being made available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis.

“This federal assistance is vital to help Louisiana rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine. I appreciate the hard work our federal delegation, local officials and our administration put in to get this over the finish line,” Landry said in a statement.

State officials ask that Louisiana residents and business owners from the eight designated parishes begin the application process for assistance. Three options are available:

• DisasterAssistance.gov,
• call 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Use the FEMA App.

FEMA also announced Tuesday that Sandra Eslinger has been named the coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the areas Francine affected.