Jackson Barracks will be restored

Gov. Kathleen Blanco will announce today a $200 million restoration of Jackson Barracks, a project that will spur redevelopment in the Lower 9th Ward and Arabi and will allow the Louisiana National Guard to return its state headquarters to the complex.

LRA Executive Director Andy Kopplin said he believes the project could become an anchor for redeveloping the area.

At the same time, the huge repair project, which will include new building materials and will be done in accordance with FEMA elevation guidelines, will demonstrate to property owners how to repair shattered homes and build new ones according to new hurricane codes, Blanco said. The first floors of the salvageable buildings at the base will be built of materials that both protect the architectural integrity of the homes and repel water.

from the Times Picayune