Calcasieu Parish is expecting more FEMA funds, and in one of the most expensive states for property insurance, it has found a way to cut premiums.

Last week, U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $3,262,493, 73 in Hurricane Laura disaster aid for Calcasieu Parish in emailed news releases.

The funds will be used for repairs to the Magnolia Building at 1011 Lakeshore Dr. in Lake Charles.

Damages were a result of the Hurricane Laura August 2020 presidential-declared disaster.     

Kelly Fontenot, Parish Treasurer and Director of the Division of Finance, said insurance money was also received for repairs to this facility. The construction contract is ongoing with approximately 90 percent of the repair work completed. FEMA funds will be used to pay back expenditures already incurred, as well as future costs for repairs.

“The Parish has made significant progress in completing the majority of the facility hurricane repairs,” Fontenot said. “A few parish facilities are still under construction or contracts will be formally procured in 2025.”

More FEMA funding is expected by the parish in the future to complete construction or formerly secure contracts for construction of projects related to damage from Hurricane Laura.       

Like individuals and businesses across Southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish has been challenged to find the best coverage for the best price. Now it can report a win.

The parish’s annual property insurance increased in the aftermath of the 2020 Hurricane Season by $1.45 million in 2021 based on a slightly lower insured value from 2020, according to Fontenot. Working extensively to be stronger and more resilient, the last insurance renewal (2024) reflected a decrease in premium of $387,000 based on the same total insured value from the previous year.

“We expect that our 2025 renewal will also see similar positive results,” Fontenot said.