PRESS RELEASE DETAIL

For release: IMMEDIATELY

Release Date: 03/13/2006

MAYOR HOLDEN ANNOUNCES HOMELAND SECURITY DIRECTOR’S SELECTION TO NATIONAL GRANT PROGRAM PANEL

Mayor Melvin L. “Kip” Holden announced this week that East Baton Rouge Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security Director JoAnne Moreau has been selected to serve on a peer review panel for the 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP).

Moreau was selected from 250 applicants to serve on a panel to review and score requests for funds used to increase ability to respond and coordinate efforts in emergency situations. These funds can be used in areas such as the establishment of interoperable communications, early warning for terrorist attack, increased maritime security and equipping Urban Search and Rescue teams to handle any catastrophic event through out the region.

“Ms. Moreau’s selection to this position shows the knowledge and respect she has earned nationally through her work in emergency preparedness and homeland security,” Holden said. “Our parish is fortunate to have her experience and dedication. Because of her quick responses and decisions during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, East Baton Rouge Parish moved to the forefront of the disaster recovery effort. We are very proud to have her selected to serve on this important panel.”

Upon selection, Moreau stated “[T]his is an honor for me, but also of great value to the people of East Baton Rouge Parish. I will have the opportunity to review programs from around the country to see the best practices and bring these ideas back to our community. Having the peer reviewer’s experience will help me make EBR more successful."

The review panel will begin its process in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the first week in April. As a panel member, Moreau, selected by the United States Department of Homeland Security, will be reviewing and scoring six State and Urban Area Investment Justifications.

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