FEMA OKs $14 million for new code

The Louisiana Recovery Authority says the debris-collection mission for the Hurricane Rita-impacted areas of the state is essentially complete, while the debris mission for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas of the state is about 78 percent complete. A look at some of the numbers.

More than 50 million cubic yards of debris from roadways, curbs and yards has been collected and disposed of so far.

The current challenge is the demolition and proper disposal of nearly 30,000 flood- and storm-damaged structures identified in the greater New Orleans area.

Almost 100 percent of “green waste’’ such as trees and limbs has been recycled, meaning ground for mulch, composting, erosion control, landfill cover or used for fuel to generate power.

About 1 million “white goods’’ — refrigerators, freezers, stoves etc. — have been collected for recycling and more than 50,000 pounds of refrigerant has been recovered for recycling.

250,000 small engines have been collected for recycling. n 600,000 electronic devices, or “e-goods,’’ have been collected for recycling.

350,000 automobiles and 60,000 boats are being picked up and ultimately recycled.

More than 20 million pounds of hazardous materials has been collected and disposed of safely.

65,000 pounds of explosives — ammunition, fireworks, flares — have been collected and disposed of properly.