USACE Hurricane Laura Response

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors in Lake Charles, Louisiana, installed reinforced plastic sheeting today, Sept. 5, for the first home to benefit from Operation Blue Roof since Hurricane Laura. The program, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency, reduces further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. This is a free service to homeowners. Parties affected by Hurricane Laura are encouraged to submit a Right-of-Entry application. To learn more about Operation Blue Roof and to apply, visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof/ (USACE Photos by Jessica Haas)

This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. This program is for primary residences or a permanently occupied rental properties with less than 50 percent structural damage. Vacation rental properties are not eligible for the program. Once the blue roof is installed, the structure must be habitable. Not all roof types qualify for the program. Roofs that are flat or made of metal or clay, slate or asbestos tile do not qualify. All storm debris must be removed for the roof to qualify.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joined the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation in signing an interagency memorandum of understanding today during a ceremony on National Hydropower Day. The agencies agree to collaborate on common issues and leverage resources to further the nation’s hydropower generation.

This edition highlights supporting economic and environmentally sustainable solutions, in support of Environmental Operating Principle #3. Content features efforts from across the enterprise that are providing environmental and economic benefits across the nation.

The 2019-2020 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Building Strong®: Serving the Nation and the Armed Forces digital publication is available online. It offers readers a comprehensive look at how USACE is serving the nation and the armed forces by Building Strong®.

“The National Levee Database is a public view into the information that builds understanding of the benefits and potential risks levees pose for the communities in which they exist,” said Eric C. Halpin, P.E., USACE deputy dam and levee safety officer.