MADISONVILLE — Louisiana communities recovering from a string of severe weather events are set to receive more than $7.8 million in federal disaster assistance, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy announced.

The funds, awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will support recovery and protective efforts tied to Hurricanes Zeta and Ida, Severe Winter Storm Fern and Tropical Storm Arthur.

“Mother Nature has kicked Louisiana in the teeth more times than I care to count, but our people always get back up,” Kennedy said in a statement. “This $7.8 million will help communities across our state repair storm damage and keep rebuilding.”

The single largest share of the funding—roughly $4.2 million—is designated for the state’s Office of Risk Management to cover management costs stemming from Hurricane Zeta.

Faith-based and community institutions battered by Hurricane Ida will also receive key repair grants. FEMA directed over $1.6 million to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux across two projects, including $1.52 million dedicated to permanent restoration work on the St. Francis De Sales Parish #30 Church Building. Another $1.42 million will go toward permanent repairs at Beacon Light of Baton Rouge.

The remaining aid covers emergency protective measures deployed during other recent severe weather events:

- $263,371 to the University of Louisiana at Monroe for emergency response measures following Severe Winter Storm Fern.

- $263,250 to St. Charles Parish for public safety and property protection actions during Tropical Storm Arthur.

The disaster aid will be distributed directly to the designated agencies, parishes and organizations to offset emergency spending and fund long-term structural repairs.