TEDA offers re-entry ID badges

The Terrebonne Economic Development Authority has developed a re-entry plan for businesses considered vital to the parish’s immediate recovery following major hurricane strikes.

After Hurricane Gustav, TEDA officials helped bring back companies needed to restore services. As a result of that effort, parish government and the sheriff’s office requested that the agency create a re-entry program for critical businesses.

TEDA CEO Mike Ferdinand announced the new program at a TEDA board meeting last month.

The re-entry system is needed because the parish could be lacking vital services following a hurricane, according to a TEDA release.

The re-entry program will permit key personnel from critical businesses to come in the parish to assess damages and decide what would be needed to resume service.

Personnel will be issued TEDA badges with photo identification that must be worn at all times and that must be shown to authorities on demand.

Examples of businesses and contractors who will be granted access include those who can restore water, sewer, electrical and plumbing services; install generators; gasoline stations, pharmacies and grocery stores; ice houses; oilfield service companies; fabrication shops that repair economic infrastructure, and medical personnel.

Employees of the businesses can receive passes also. Business owners need to supply a list to TEDA of all employees needing access. The list has to be on company letterhead with an official’s signature.

Businesses have to accept liability for their employees. Businesses and employees are required to sign release forms. Re-entry will take place in Terrebonne Parish along Louisiana highways 24 and 311.

No fee will be charged for the badges for the remainder of the 2008 hurricane season, but TEDA anticipates charging a fee for next hurricane season.

Visit www.tpeda.org or call (985) 873-6890 for more information.