St. Mary Parish - Priority Issues

The following is a list of key recovery issues as determined by St. Mary Parish planning efforts:

Economic Development

• Establish and implement a mentorship or apprentice program to meet the needs of the emerging workforce.
• Foster or implement programs that promote employment and reduce reliance on government assistance.
• Implement measures to encourage previous businesses to return.
• Institute control measures to protect our commercial fishing and agricultural institutions.

Flood Protection and Coastal Restoration

• Establish and build a levee system to a Category 5 protection level.
• Restore and preserve coastal wetlands.
• Establish flood control measures on man-made waterways.

Human Services

• Establish education as the top priority.
• Rehabilitate and upgrade existing schools (e.g. - classrooms being housed in temporary buildings).
• Address funding needs of independent charter schools.

Transportation and Infrastructure

• Establish a reliable communication network.
• Upgrade existing transportation network to a level capable of handling evacuation needs.
• Develop a reliable public transportation or mass transit system, necessary for evacuation of elderly or infirm in times of disaster.

Housing and Community Development

• Establish and enforce a set of standards to hold land-lords responsible for maintenance and upkeep of rental property.
• Rebuild, restore, and rehabilitate existing neighborhoods and essential community institutions.
• Establish and provide home-ownership training programs.