Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Issued by: Jacquie Bauer

Public Information Officer

"Provide the services,

leadership, and vision to

improve the quality of life

in Jefferson Parish."

Aaron F. Broussard

Parish President

March 14, 2007
For Immediate Release


TRAILER REMOVAL DEADLINE AT END OF THIS MONTH

The March 31 deadline is rapidly approaching for residents of unincorporated areas in Jefferson Parish to remove FEMA trailers, privately owned mobile homes and storage units from their property.

Starting April 1, normal zoning regulations, which were suspended post-Katrina, will go back into effect in Jefferson Parish. Residents who have not removed the temporary housing units or obtained an extension from the Parish Attorney's Office will be held in violation and subject to a citation from the parish.

In February, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) extended temporary housing assistance through August 31 of this year for eligible applicants. This caused slight confusion, as residents with FEMA trailers questioned the need to apply for an extension required by Jefferson Parish after they received the letter from FEMA in February. FEMA's extension of the Temporary Housing Program does not in itself supersede the local zoning ordinance prohibiting such units on residential property.

Residents may call the 1-800 number posted in their FEMA trailer to have the trailer removed. They can call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 if they have questions about FEMA assistance, including housing assistance.

Residents who are unable to complete the repairs to their homes by March 31 must apply for an extension before the end of this month. The procedure for applying for an extension is available on the parish website at www.jeffparish.net or by calling the Jefferson Parish Department of Citizens' Affairs at 504-736-6000. Media personnel who would like to speak with a FEMA representative call 762-2477.