SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -
The shelter on Jewella Avenue is in the final stages of the clean up process now that there are no more Hurricane Isaac evacuees staying at the Shreveport Shelter. Even after the clean-up is complete the shelter may still be costing you money.
Evacuees stayed at the shelter for seven days, and during that time it cost approximately $100 per day, per person. During the week the shelter housed close to 1,800 evacuees. If the shelter operated at capacity for the seven days it was open, then the total price of housing the evacuees was close to $1.2 million. With the national government reimbursing 75% of the cost, the local tax payers would be responsible for around $315,000.
Even now that the evacuees are gone, the shelter is still costing money. The State is leasing the building, and when the building is not occupied they still are paying for the space. Supplies is being kept on hand in case of another emergency.
"All we have to do is flip the light switch and we are ready to put the evacuees back in the shelter," says Sandy Davis with Homeland Security and Emergency preparedness.
Crews are working to get the shelter back in shape to be used again. Cots are being sanitized, floors have been cleaned, and the outdoor bathroom area is being broken down and moved from the property.
The clean-up is expected to be complete by Friday.
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