Congressman Carter Secures JIRR Project Extensions

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. has secured an extension from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Joint Infrastructure Recovery Request (JIRR) Program in New Orleans, allowing Critical Recovery Projects to continue through June 2, 2028. FEMA also agreed to review additional active Hurricane Katrina Recovery Projects throughout South Louisiana for possible deadline extensions. (Make this a shaded box or something that makes this part stand out in the beginning of the story).

Continuing Katrina Recovery Efforts

The extension marks an important milestone in Louisiana’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Katrina, nearly two decades after the devastating storm reshaped communities across the Gulf Coast.

“Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, we are still dealing with the aftermath of the Costliest Natural Disaster in U.S. History,” Carter said. “FEMA’s partnership and resources have been the backbone of Louisiana’s rebuilding efforts. While Louisiana has closed out 99% of Katrina Recovery Projects, the scope and technical complexity of the few remaining projects require additional time to complete responsibly and in compliance with Federal Requirements. I am happy FEMA granted this extension and will continue to fight for all funding that my community needs.”

City Leaders Welcome Extension

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno praised the decision, calling it essential to completing major infrastructure improvements already underway across the city.

“This extension is critically important for the people of New Orleans because it gives us the ability to complete Transformative Infrastructure Projects that are already underway and continue delivering long-overdue improvements to our residents,” Moreno said. “An enormous amount of work went into securing this extension, and I am incredibly proud of our team for their relentless advocacy and coordination to help make this happen.”

JIRR Program Impact

The Joint Infrastructure Recovery Request Program is a FEMA-Funded Initiative designed to restore approximately 10,000 blocks of streets and drainage systems damaged by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina.

The program has been a cornerstone of New Orleans’ long-term recovery strategy, addressing critical infrastructure needs while improving the city’s resilience against future storms and flooding events.

Congressional Advocacy

Congressman Carter has actively advocated for additional time to complete the remaining projects. During a Congressional Committee Hearing on Wednesday, he pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to approve extensions that would allow the work to be completed responsibly and effectively.

In addition, Carter sent letters to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in December and February supporting Louisiana’s requests for deadline extensions for both the JIRR Program and other ongoing Hurricane Katrina Recovery Projects across the state.

The newly approved extension provides local and state officials with additional time to complete some of the region’s most complex Infrastructure Projects while ensuring compliance with Federal Requirements and preserving vital recovery funding.