For release Wednesday, May 3, 2006

Deadline Announced for
Debris Removal & Demolition on Private Property

             Parish President Kevin Davis has announced the deadline for citizens of unincorporated St. Tammany Parish to apply to FEMA for the removal of structures that have been damaged by Hurricane Katrina and that also present an immediate threat to public health and safety.  The original deadline for application for this program was April 30, but was extended. The new deadline is May 15.

             In addition to demolition of structures on private property, the program will remove debris that poses a threat to public safety.  Examples of debris that may qualify include leaning trees, hanging branches, and debris on the ground that might pose a threat to life or property.

             To be eligible for FEMA assistance, the debris removal must meet one of the following criteria:

• Eliminate immediate threats to lives, public health and safety
• Eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved public or private property

             St. Tammany Parish has hired Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. (CDM) to expedite this process for residents in unincorporated St. Tammany Parish.  CDM has a new customer service center in the small trailer in the parking lot of the Parish Administrative Complex, 21490 Koop Drive.  The customer service center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, call CDM at 985-898-3080 from 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

            To begin this process, homeowners must sign a Right of Entry Form.  Forms will be available at the CDM office on Koop Drive, at St. Tammany Parish libraries, and online at www.stpgov.org.  The form must be returned to one of the temporary demolition offices or mailed to St. Tammany Parish Private Property Debris Removal Program c/o CDM,  P.O. Box 1348, Slidell, LA 70459-1348.  St. Tammany Parish government and its contractor, CDM, are not responsible for any late, or non-delivered, mail.

 If you return your application in person, bring the following information with you, if available, to expedite your application processing:

1. Proof of ownership – Act of Sale
2. All insurance documentation, including flood insurance
3. Any pictures or other evidence of damages to property

            Property owners will complete a right of entry form, and a hold-harmless agreement.  Property owners must confirm that the property is not inhabited, and indicate whether any personal property that requires removal prior to demolition is on-site.  If the property owner does not have insurance, the owner will be required to complete a notarized affidavit indicating that the property is not insured.

             After the Right of Entry form and necessary documents have been received, applications will be reviewed by FEMA to determine eligibility for this program.  Neither St. Tammany Parish Government nor its contractor makes this determination.  This decision is made solely by FEMA. 

             Demolition activity will be limited to above-ground structures.  The removal will not include concrete slabs, driveways and footings.  FEMA will determine if any trees or vegetative debris constitute an immediate threat to lives, public health, safety or property.

 If you live in a municipality, contact your city or town for information.

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