Latest news with #GOHSEP
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
The 2025 hurricane season kicks off. Here's what you need to know
BATON ROUGE, La. (LouisianaFirstNews) – The 2025 hurricane season is officially underway. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting above-normal hurricane activity. NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms. Six to ten of those are forecast to become hurricanes, and out of those, three to five are predicted to become major hurricanes. Louisiana GOHSEP encourages everyone to have a plan ready, well before a hurricane or tropical storm threatens the state. Researchers at Colorado State University have also predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2025. What are the 2025 storm names? This year's names, chosen by the World Meteorological Organization, are: Andrea Barry Chantal Dexter Erin Fernand Gabrielle Humberto Imelda Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Nestor Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy The hurricane season will last until November 30. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
American Press
07-05-2025
- Business
- American Press
Future of FEMA and restructuring of GOHSEP topics at LEMC conference
The landscape of emergency management in Louisiana might be changing, but Southwest Louisiana can still expect aid in the case of disaster. The annual Louisiana Emergency Management Conference (LEMC) opening remarks were given Tuesday morning at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel and Casino. Emergency response professionals from across the state will participate in panels, discussions and trainings over the next few days. During the opening remarks, the future of FEMA and the restructuring of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) were hot topics. FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson doesn't have all the answers about the future of FEMA, but he guaranteed FEMA's commitment to support localized emergency response operations. This message comes near the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and just 25 days before the 2025 Hurricane Season begins. Hurricane Katrina prompted major FEMA reforms, transforming the agency's role in national emergency response efforts. 'I think we're in a similar place today, maybe a little bit of a reset,' he noted. 'Has the federal government taken on too much of a role? Does some of that need to go back to local, state and tribal policy?' FEMA is undergoing significant restructuring and policy shifts that include staff reductions and a shift of emergency management responsibility to the states. And in March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing FEMA to reduce its role in disaster preparedness in response to an effort to reduce government spending. These broad changes are accompanied by the cancellation of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. BRIC was established by Congress during President Donald Trump's first presidency through the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018. The program's cancellation will keep about $3 billion of hazard mitigation obligated funding in the Disaster Relief Fund, and all undistributed funding from 2020 to 2023 must be returned. Louisiana had been marked for $196 million in funding for 34 selected projects, according to the Urban Institute, a DC-based nonprofit research organization. Discussions for a 'more efficient replacement' have begun, Robinson said. Additionally, 2025 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) funding, a program bipartisanly established in 1994, has been cancelled. Between 2020 and 2024, Louisiana received the most assistance, with 114 selected applications totalling $511 million that were accepted. 'While as an agency we are getting smaller … we certainly plan to be there with you along the way,' Robinson said. There are FEMA grant awards that are still being obligated: $6 million for parish schools, $15 million for debris removal, $7.8 million for school repairs and $22 million for emergency management protective measures. GOHSEP Restructure GOHSEP is transitioning to operate under the Louisiana National Guard. In a March GHOSEP release, Gov. Jeff Landry said this move was identified as an 'opportunity to save millions by bringing GOHSEP under the National Guard' that aligns with his ' belief in the importance of relying more on our National Guard to strengthen our state's resilience.' Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz is the interim director of GOHSEP and is in charge of day-to-day operations. Adjunct General of Louisiana Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, the Commanding General of the La. Army National Guard and La. Air National Guard, will provide transition oversight. They are about halfway through the transition period. While this includes reviewing the agency, the 'core components of GOHSEP are not changing, Friloux said. 'Our mission remains the same. Save lives, protect property and maintain control,' he said.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Businesses and homes in Rayne struggle with flood recovery
RAYNE, La () — In Acadia Parish, areas experienced flooding that led to water damage in homes and businesses and now the city is trying to recover. It's been less than a week since heavy rainfall brought up to nine inches of water, flooding homes and businesses in Rayne, and now that water has receded, cleanup and recovery has been slow. Rayne Mayor Chuck Robichaux says although the damage from the flood happened in just a few hours, cleanup and recovery is taking longer than expected. This is because resources are limited. Robichaux says when a home floods, everything needs to be taken out. He says pulling up floors, cutting walls and letting things dry out so mold doesn't take over is a part of the recovery process. The flooding has also affected businesses which, in turn, affects the city. 'This time, we had some businesses that flooded and they, too, have to shut their business down, get all the bad merchandise dried out, cleaned up, and then open back up because we rely on those services,' said Robichaux. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Anh Tran, the owner of Lux Nails on The Boulevard says his shop has been closed for four days, while he and his workers have had to gut, clean and remodel the flooring themselves. 'Recovery is rough. It's hard to hire people to come in here to remodel, so we have to take care of ourselves,' said Tran. He says equipment had to be removed and dried extremely well, in addition to new flooring being put down. Tran is hopeful he can open up shop by tomorrow. Although impacted by unexpected flooding, the city hopes to get back to normal. Mayor Robicheaux says if anyone experienced damage from the flood, they should fill out a survey with GOHSEP to report any damage as soon as possible. What you need to know about the Real ID Tom Cruise speaks on death of Val Kilmer: 'I can't tell you how much I admire his work' Businesses and homes in Rayne struggle with flood recovery Festival des Fleurs de Louisiane unites garden enthusiasts Senate advances blueprint for Trump tax cuts, other top priorities Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Landry moves emergency preparedness office under Louisiana National Guard
Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Prepareness, addresses the media ahead of Hurricane Francine in September 2024. (Julie O'Donoghue/LAI) Gov. Jeff Landry announced Thursday he is restructuring the state's disaster response office and folding it into the Louisiana National Guard. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will now be placed under the authority of National Guard Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz, who will serve as GOHSEP's interim director, according to a news release from Landry's office. Short on details, the governor's announcement described the restructuring as a 'cost savings' measure to cut wasteful government spending. He said the move would save the state millions but did not offer details as to how this would happen. 'We will definitely put some of that info out at a later date,' Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said in a text message. Landry said the change aligns with his belief in relying more on the National Guard for emergency response. His announcement did not explicitly say whether GOHSEP's current director, Jacques Thibodeaux, will have any future role with the agency or in Landry's administration. Kelly said Thibodeaux would stay with the agency at least until the transition is complete. Thibodeaux, who retired from the National Guard as a colonel in 2015, was appointed as GOHSEP director shortly after Landry took office. He recently gave an interview to the Illuminator to discuss the fate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and President Donald Trump's suggestion of 'maybe getting rid of FEMA.' In his statement, Landry thanked Thibodeaux for his service. 'GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux took on a challenging role and served our state with dedication under difficult circumstances. We deeply appreciate his service,' Landry said. Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, the highest ranking member of the Louisiana National Guard, has been instructed to provide oversight and guidance to GOHSEP during the transition, the governor said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Landry merges homeland security agency with Louisiana National Guard
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry has announced a major restructuring of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), placing it under the command of the Louisiana National Guard in an effort to cut costs and streamline government operations. Under the reorganization, Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz will serve as interim director of GOHSEP, overseeing day-to-day operations. Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux will provide oversight and guidance during the transition, according to a statement from the governor's office. 'GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux took on a challenging role and served our state with dedication under difficult circumstances. We deeply appreciate his service,' Landry said. Landry's office framed the move as part of his Fiscal Responsibility Program, a state-level initiative inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a federal watchdog created under the Trump administration to cut government waste and improve efficiency. Landry launched his Fiscal Responsibility Program in December 2024 to audit state expenditures and identify areas for financial optimization. In February, the governor's office announced a partnership with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to implement efficiency measures and gather input from residents about potential cost savings. Federal watchdog DOGE terminates Louisiana agency leases as part of nationwide cost-cutting effort The Louisiana National Guard is frequently called upon to assist parish governments during disasters, especially in response to hurricanes. They have also provided security support for large-scale events, including the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year. Landry said the decision to place GOHSEP under the National Guard will save millions of dollars and strengthen the state's emergency response capabilities. 'As governor, I was elected with a commitment to cutting waste and streamlining government,' Landry said. 'As part of our fiscal responsibility initiative, we've identified an opportunity to save millions by bringing GOHSEP under the National Guard. This move not only delivers significant cost savings but also aligns with my belief in the importance of relying more on our National Guard to strengthen our state's resilience.' The governor's office has not yet released specific estimates on cost savings, but the restructuring is part of Landry's broader effort to consolidate state functions under the Fiscal Responsibility Program. Louisiana Social Security office expected to close this year Guns N' Roses parts ways with drummer Frank Ferrer after 19 years Delta plane that flipped upside down in Toronto showed high rate of descent: report Video shows Connecticut man removed from home where he was allegedly held captive for 20 years Louisiana man killed after car hits tree in St. Helena Parish Florida woman accused of drowning dog in airport toilet after it couldn't board plane Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
