WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $9.2 million in grants for recovery projects in Orleans Parish. These funds, which will be distributed at the discretion of the State of Louisiana, will be used to repair facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

"Four years following Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans region is still struggling to rebuild our schools, hospitals, police and fire stations, libraries and other community infrastructure," Sen. Landrieu said. "Although there is still a long way to go, these FEMA grants will get long-delayed recovery projects under way."

The following FEMA grants were awarded to recipients in Orleans Parish:

*$1,647,945 to the Robert E. Smith Regional Library to replace the flooring, walls, doors, and mechanical and electrical systems that were damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Katrina's storm surge and flooding.

*$6,427,706 to Alexander Avery Elementary School to repair doors, windows, ceiling, flooring, and electrical and mechanical systems damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

*$1,205,246 to the Orleans Parish School Board and the Timbers Administrative Office Building to cover costs to lease temporary administrative office space and to construct a temporary data center at the leased facility.