For Immediate Release, Thursday, October 26, 2006 
 

FEMA to Remove Dead Trees in St. Tammany’s Coastal Area 

            FEMA will immediately begin removing approximately 3,000 trees in public rights-of-way killed by salt-water intrusion, according to the St. Tammany Parish Department of Engineering.  All the eligible trees are located in St. Tammany’s flood inundation area that is generally defined by FEMA as the areas south of Highway 190 & Highway 22 and east of I-10 and I-59.  

            In addition, FEMA will revisit the approximate 2,000 properties that filled out right-of-entry papers last spring to inspect for dead trees on private property.   

            “Citizens need to be aware that FEMA inspectors will be returning to their properties,” said Parish President Kevin Davis.  “Do not be surprised if a FEMA representative comes to your property if you live in the flood inundation area.  However, all normal precautions regarding strangers on your property should be observed.” 

As this time, no new right of entry applications are being taken by FEMA.  “FEMA is trying to get a simplified process for removing dead tress from this hard-hit area,” said Parish President Kevin Davis.  “If they are successful, the program will open for new applicants.”  FEMA and St. Tammany Parish meet weekly on these and other recovery issues. 

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