FEMA Steps In for Louisiana's Icy Winter Storm Cleanup
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
A big winter storm hit Louisiana in late January 2026, causing serious damage. The President declared it a major disaster on February 18, so the state can get federal help to clean up debris and protect people. The government will cover 75% of eligible costs, and a special FEMA officer is in charge to make sure aid gets where it’s needed fast.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal debris removal and emergency aid
The President declared a major disaster for Louisiana for the severe winter storm that occurred January 23–27, 2026. FEMA is authorized to provide debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B) for designated areas, and Federal funds provided for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs.
Disaster housing assistance available
FEMA listed Disaster Housing Assistance programs (CFDA 97.048, 97.049, 97.050) for reporting and drawing funds, meaning individuals and households affected by the January 23–27, 2026 storm may be eligible for disaster housing help under the Presidential declaration.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) offered
The Federal assistance listing includes Disaster Unemployment Assistance (CFDA 97.034), so people who lost work because of the January 23–27, 2026 storm in the declared disaster areas may be eligible to apply for DUA benefits.
Hazard mitigation and public assistance programs listed
The declaration lists Hazard Mitigation Grant (CFDA 97.039) and Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (CFDA 97.036) among available programs, enabling funding for mitigation projects and public infrastructure repairs related to the January 23–27, 2026 storm.
Crisis counseling and legal help available
FEMA listed Crisis Counseling (CFDA 97.032) and Disaster Legal Services (CFDA 97.033) among the available assistance programs, so people in the declared areas may receive mental health counseling and legal aid after the January 23–27, 2026 storm.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15944, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15946, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15943, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15942, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15938, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15941, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08893, Missouri; Amendment No. 3 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration
Missouri’s major disaster declaration got an update on January 12, 2026, with a new Federal Coordinating Officer, Justin Petersen, taking over from Catherine Sanders. This change keeps disaster aid flowing smoothly for folks affected by the disaster, covering everything from housing help to legal services. If you’re in Missouri, disaster support continues strong with no delays in sight!
Next: 2026-08895, Notices of Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations and Related Amendments
From April to October 2025, the President declared 38 emergencies and major disasters affecting states and tribes, unlocking federal help and funding. These updates include changes to who’s covered, what aid is available, and when it applies. If you live in an affected area, this means quicker support and shared costs to recover from disasters.