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Mayor: Kenner pursuing FEMA alternate project route for Annex A and B rebuilds; town halls planned
Summary
City officials say Annex Buildings A and B demolition is complete and the city is pursuing FEMA alternate project funding to replace one or both structures, with design work under way and town halls planned; litigation and strict FEMA funding rules remain constraints.
Kenner city officials told the City Council on March 10 that Annex Buildings A and B have been demolished and the city is pursuing a FEMA alternate project to replace the facilities, with design engineering under contract and community engagement planned.
The mayor reported that the city met FEMA's so-called "50% rule," which allows replacement rather than repair when damage exceeds 50% of replacement cost. The city awarded a design contract to Meyer Engineers and scheduled a kickoff meeting with the design team for April 24. Officials said the annex buildings are in the Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review and that FEMA must be heavily involved in design approvals before ground-breaking.
Administration staff explained the distinction between FEMA public assistance (PA) projects and FEMA alternate projects: PA projects can be "versioned" to add scope and obtain incremental funding, while alternate projects typically require a single fixed price the city must accept. Staff said Meyer has subs and consultants familiar with FEMA processes and that town halls will be scheduled to get public input on design and use of the replacement public building. The mayor and staff said ongoing litigation remains unresolved and may affect final outcomes.
Council members asked about available funding for the annex projects and other damaged buildings. Staff said FEMA is a reimbursement program; the city has received some insurance proceeds but no new insurance allocations pending resolution of litigation. Staff emphasized every dollar received for the Ida-related damages is held in a designated fund and that any request to spend amounts over $5,000 would come before the council. Councilmembers pressed for timelines; staff said a kickoff with the engineer is set and more dates will follow once design options and funding are clearer.
Council Member Brannigan noted satisfaction that the old elevator was salvaged for reuse. The mayor invited council members to attend the April 24 kickoff in Building D at 10 a.m.
