News & Events

 

August 27, 2010

Continuing to make a difference in the field…

 

iParametrics is proud to be supporting the Katrina recovery these past five years as well as recovery efforts in response to other devastating storms around the country. We could not do this without the excellent people we have on our staff.

 

iParametrics' employee Michael Wilder was part of a recent success story in the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort. Here is the story, as found on FEMA's website:

 

Los Isleños Artifacts

 

In lower St. Bernard, a historical community—Los Isleños—exists, preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of the Canary Islanders who immigrated to Louisiana in the late 1700s. The cultural infrastructure of this community was greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina, with 10 of its facilities, including its main museum and 200-year old Ducros Library, incurring storm surges of up to 12 feet.

 

To date, $1.5 million in FEMA public assistance grants have been obligated for the repair or replacement of these facilities. Because this recovery project utilizes federal funding, FEMA EHP archaeologists monitored all ground-disturbing activities at the Los Isleños site. They helped conserve and protect this historically significant area while simultaneously upholding the construction schedule of the post-Katrina Los Isleños Complex.

 

During this process, previously unknown artifacts were discovered, including historic ceramics, glass and metal representing house sites and support structures ranging from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. As a result of these findings, FEMA recorded this area as a new archaeological site with the State Historic Preservation Office.

 

This site is currently eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and documents early Los Isleños culture and its subsequent human occupation. The result of these findings is significant in that it provides evidence of the initial settlement and later growth of one of Louisiana’s earliest communities. Additionally, it provides a direct, tangible link for modern Isleños descendants to their culture and history.”

 

"Five years ago, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated communities throughout Louisiana and we can say that a lot has been accomplished. FEMA is committed to being here for as long as it takes to fully recover, and we’re working to do so in a way that builds, sustains and improves south Louisiana’s capability to protect against future hazards."

 

Mike Karl

FEMA Louisiana Recovery Office Interim Director

 

(http://www.fema.gov/media/2010/rebuilding-lives/louisiana.shtm)