(Rick Hickman / American Press Archives)

Southwest Louisiana will receive an additional $24 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for hurricane relief and flood mitigation.

“Rebuilding and cleaning up is the first step in moving forward, however, we must also look to the future and make sure we are better prepared for the next storm,” U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said. “This funding helps us accomplish both.”

The FEMA aid will fund the following:

• $17,035,265 to Jefferson Davis Electric Cooperative, Inc. for permanent restoration of damaged 138kV transmission lines as a result of Hurricane Laura.
• $5,996,726 to Beauregard Electrical Cooperative Power distribution repairs as a result of Hurricane Delta.
• $2,225,697 to the Southwest Louisiana Hospital Association for the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for emergency protective measures as a result of Hurricane Laura.

The funding is made available through the major disaster declaration for Hurricane Laura (DR-4559-LA), which U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins, R-La., supported.

“Southwest Louisiana is a true testament of strength. Our communities weather every storm that nature throws at us,” Higgins said. “We are forever Louisiana strong. Our office is dedicated to the recovery mission and has delivered over $4.1 billion in Hurricane recovery relief. We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to deliver recovery resources and relief.”