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ST TAMMANY PARISH

from Storm Guide 2023

from Storm Guide 2023, page 5

JEFFERSON PARISH

St. Tammany Parish Government is committed to year-round preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. With a focus on public works, debris removal, waterway maintenance, and emergency operations, the government has implemented various measures to enhance the resilience of the parish.

In terms of public works, the Parish’s dedicated crews have been diligently working across the community to clear major drainage laterals and ditches, improving the overall drainage system. Notably, the recent acquisition of a marsh buggy has significantly contributed to waterway debris removal. This specialized vehicle allows the crews to access and remove debris from challenging waterways. One successful project carried out by the in-house team was the clearing of East Bedico Creek, resulting in substantial cost savings of over $600,000 in tax dollars and a quicker project completion time. Building on this success, the Parish has invested in two more large waterway vehicles to further enhance its capabilities. Additionally, the acquisition of three new debris-clearing vehicles enables prompt road debris removal during storm events.

According to Michael Vinsanau, Director of the Department of Public Information for St. Tammany Parish Government, “Our Public Works crews have been working tirelessly to enhance drainage by clearing major drainage laterals and ditches. With the addition of the marsh buggy, we have significantly improved our ability to remove debris from waterways, ensuring effective drainage throughout the parish.”

The efficient handling of debris after Hurricane Ida was a testament to the Parish’s commitment to its residents. Within just five days, all Parish roads were cleared, allowing for the smooth flow of traffic. Over the months following the hurricane, the contractors employed by the Parish successfully removed more than 3 million cubic yards of debris. This massive undertaking showcases the Parish’s dedication to restoring normalcy in the aftermath of such a significant event. Moreover, the Parish has implemented measures to streamline debris removal operations, including the purchase of new properties to expedite the process.

Reflecting on the successful debris removal efforts after Hurricane Ida, Vinsanau stated,

“Our contractors efficiently cleared over 3 million cubic yards of debris, restoring access to all Parish roads within five days. We have also streamlined our operations by purchasing new properties, enabling us to initiate the debris removal process more swiftly.”

Recognizing the importance of preserving waterways while ensuring efficient drainage, St. Tammany Parish is actively engaged in a comprehensive debris removal initiative. The Parish is in the process of removing 3,400 downed trees spanning 97 miles of scenic waterways, such as Bayou Liberty, Tchefuncte River, Cypress Bayou, Abita River, and Bogue Falaya. With a project budget of $12 million, which is 90% federally funded and 10% Parish funded, the initiative combines the expertise of contractors with the oversight of environmental scientists. This collaboration ensures that the waterways are preserved while enhancing their drainage capacity.

To further bolster emergency preparedness, St. Tammany Parish Government has appointed Clint Ory as the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Director. With 32 years of experience, including his recent role as Assistant Chief of Fire District #4 in Mandeville, Clint brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position.

Clint and his team have actively engaged with the community, especially the elderly, to ensure they are well-prepared for emergencies. Leveraging new technology, the Parish can precisely target communities with specific messaging, such as evacuation notices, boil water advisories, and weather threats. Furthermore, collaboration with the Technology department has resulted in the utilization of platforms like Waze and Google Maps to provide real-time updates on road closures, enabling residents to navigate safely during storm events.

St. Tammany Parish Government remains dedicated to protecting its residents and mitigating the impacts of severe weather events. Through proactive measures, investments in equipment and technology, and a strong commitment to community engagement, the government strives to create a safer and more resilient parish for all its residents.

Emergency Services

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office: (985) 898-2338

Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness:

(985) 898-2359

Covington Police Department: (985) 892-8500

Madisonville Police Department: (985) 845-3393

Mandeville Police Department: (985) 626-9711

Pearl River Police Department: (985) 863-5711

Slidell Police Department: (985) 643-3131

Hospitals

Slidell Memorial Hospital: (985) 280-2200

Lakeview Regional Medical Center: (985) 867-3800