Baton Rouge, La. — April 30, 2021 — Recent news reports have revealed that surrounding Capital Region parishes have issued letters to citizens concerning the repair of their homes after the 2016 flood related to required elevation.  

East Baton Rouge Parish equally has over a thousand homes that fall into this unfortunate category identified by FEMA. As Mayor-President and as a citizen whose home flooded, I know many of our citizens did the best they could to repair their damaged homes and make them livable dwellings again.

As a result, I will not be issuing letters at this time. Many of these same individuals are trying to recover from and navigate a pandemic as well. While I respect the federal government and its guidelines, there must be a better way for our people who work hard every day and have been more than resilient in the face of adversity.

I am seeking assistance from our Congressional delegation to continue working with FEMA to find necessary relief from these guidelines and/or resources to help these residents come into compliance.

I have confidence we will find an amicable solution to this matter.