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Homeowners
Road Home Info and Assistance Back to Top
Citizens Road Home Action Team
CHAT Road Home Survey: Road Home Problems
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=hdEchbm8Vl_2bWFDmxi7E_2f7w_3d_3d
CHAT has created an online survey to gather information about the problems homeowners are having with the program - calculation mistakes, money delays, and elevation program issues.
This detailed survey will be used as evidence to urge the LRA and ICF to make changes to the program that will benefit homeowners. Whether you have received your grant money or not, please click the link to take this important survey to help CHAT help Louisiana homeowners.
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Citizens' Road Home Action Team (CHAT)
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The Citizens' Road Home Action Team, a group of citizens from New Orleans neighborhoods, advocates ways to make the Road Home program more efficient and fair. Click the link for more information.
CHAT Newsletters - Road Home Updates
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LouisianaRebuilds.info posts CHAT's newsletter here.
Find out the latest CHAT accomplishments and action items in these newsletters. Main topics are highlighted, and each newsletter is a .pdf that can be downloaded in full.
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The Road Home Program
http://www.road2la.org
Please Note: LouisianaRebuilds.info does not manage the Road Home program. For information about your application you must speak with the Road Home directly.
The application deadline for the Road Home program has passed. For information about the homeowner and small rental property repair programs or to check the status of your application visit www.road2la.org or call 1-888-Road-2-LA (1-888-762-3252). For information on other homeowner assistance programs, please visit the Homeowners Section of our site. For additional information regarding assistance and advocacy for Road Home applicants, please visit the Citizen's Road Home Action Team's website at www.chatushome.com. more
Road Home Appeals Info
http://lra.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=106
The LRA has agreed to reopen appeals for applicants who believe their Road Home appeal was lost in the shuffle, or that they were never able to exercise their right to appeal because their case was stuck in "Dispute Resolution.
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The LRA and OCD will review these cases to ensure that homeowners received due process under the Road Home and that cases did not fall through the cracks. For your case to be considered, you can do one of three things: Note the suggestions from the Citizens Road Home Action Team (CHAT)
$7500 Individual Hazard Mitigation Grant
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/road_home_grant_phone_line_ope.html
This grant is available to Road Home grant recipients only and offers reimbursement for storm shutters, roof tie-downs, the cost of lifting heating and cooling units and other mitigation measures. The grant program is currently under development, but you can call 866-993-0138 and leave a voice mail expressing interest. You must have your Road Home application number ready. Click the link for an article about the program.
Road Home Assistance At The Community Center of St. Bernard
A representative from the Office of Community Development – Disaster Recovery Unit will be available to assist Road Home applicants at the Community Center of St Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St, Arabi on Tuesdays from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm.
Anyone whose Road Home application has not yet been closed is encouraged to attend so that they can receive personalized help to resolve their case. Homeowners are asked to bring copies of all their previous Road Home documents with them to the meeting. No appointment is necessary to receive Road Home assistance at the Center. For more information, phone the Office of Community Development directly at 225.219.9600. more
Road Home Help
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Need Road Home help? Click for a list of organizations offering free assistance with the Road Home program including help with options letters, closing papers, legal issues, successions, appeals, bank problems, and foreclosures. Also listed is contact information for reporting Road Home problems.
Road Home Appeal Templates
http://justiceforneworleans.org/roadhome/index.php?page=templates
These letter templates, prepared by Justice for New Orleans, can be modified and used for a variety of Road Home issues including appeals, requests for files, and requests for extensions. Click the link to access the templates. Call (504) 861-5596 for more information.
Small Rental Property Repair Program
http://www.road2la.org/Rental/default.htm
The application deadline has closed.
Find more information about the program on the Road Home website.
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Road Home Elevation Program
http://road2la.org/homeowner/faqs.htm#9
The Road Home website covers the latest information about the elevation grant. The deadline to submit your elevation funding request was December 5, 2008. Returning the form only indicated that you have an interest in possibly elevating your home and would like to be considered for funding after you investigate your options further and decide whether or not to elevate. If you have questions about the Road Home Elevation Incentive or the State
HMGP Awards call the main Road Home information number at 1-888-762-3252. Choose the
regular "homeowner option" and the advisor that answers can service any type of call.
Buying Road Home Properties
http://www.noraworks.org/default.htm
Road Home properties are NOT for sale to the general public at this time - they are currently being offered to adjacent homeowners only through the Lot Next Door Program.
All Road Home properties will eventually be put on the market for sale to the general public at a later date. The sale of the Road Home properties is being managed by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) in New Orleans. Click here to read a Times Picayune article about the process and to search a database of Road Home properties.
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Road Home Properties Available in LAKEVIEW
http://www.lakeviewcivic.org/noraupdate.htm
The Lakeview Civic Improvement Association and NORA are now working together to offer RH properties for sale to those who may not be eligible for the Lot Next Door program.
The deadline for submitting formal offer forms (entitled "Individual Acquisition Form") on Road Home properties being sold through this Phase 2 program was Friday, July 31, 2009. More information eligibility can be found on the LCIA website or by calling LCIA at (504) 324-2270 or NORA at (504) 658-4400.
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Lot Next Door Program
http://www.noraworks.org/Lotnext.htm
The Lot Next Door (LND) program, managed by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority(NORA), allows residents to purchase a NORA-owned property (including Road Home properties sold to the state) immediately next door to their own.
Call 504-658-4400 or visit the NORA website for more information.
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Road Home and Taxes
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=171341,00.html
This FAQ on the IRS website covers the Road Home grant as it applies to taxes.
Louisiana Land Trust
http://www.lalandtrust.org/
The Louisiana Land Trust is the non profit organization formed to manage the properties that have been purchased by the State of Louisiana under the current Road Home Program.
The management of these properties is still being determined. Visit the website for updates and meeting announcements
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Times Picayune Answer Spot
http://blog.nola.com/answerspot/
This weekly feature from the Times Picayune answers your recovery questions, including timely Road Home information.
Financial Assistance Back to Top
Louisiana Citizens Insurance Tax Credit
http://www.rev.state.la.us/sections/general/calac/default.aspx
Residential and commercial property insurance policyholders will receive an income tax credit for the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation regular and special assessments they paid because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
You can still file for this credit. Find out more on the Department of Revenue website.
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$7500 Individual Hazard Mitigation Grant
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/road_home_grant_phone_line_ope.html
This grant is available to Road Home grant recipients only and offers reimbursement for storm shutters, roof tie-downs, the cost of lifting heating and cooling units and other mitigation measures. The grant program is currently under development, but you can call 866-993-0138 and leave a voice mail expressing interest. You must have your Road Home application number ready. Click the link for an article about the program.
ICC Coverage
Buy a House
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/nfipkeywords/icc.shtm
If you have a standard flood insurance policy, your home was more than 50% damaged, and the house falls below base flood elevation requirements, you qualify for Increased Cost of Compliance coverage, which offers up to $30,000 toward raising a home.
Find out about grants and loans to help you buy a house in our Buy a House section. Foreclosure Avoidance Back to Top
Avoid Foreclosure Scams
Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure Scams
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The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center has compiled a list of possible scams that target homeowners facing foreclosure.
HUD's Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure
http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm
This guide offers valuable information for homeowners in foreclosure or at risk of foreclosure.
HUD-Approved Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling Agencies
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/fc/index.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=LA&filterSvc=dfc
This list includes agencies around the state of Louisiana that are approved by HUD to provide foreclosure avoidance counseling.
ACORN Foreclosure Avoidance
http://acornhousing.org/TEXT/fap8.php
ACORN Housing has a national mortage default counseling program Home Equity Loss Prevention Program (HELP) which assists homeowners struggling to bring their loans current.
ACORN counselors have relationships with 28 major lenders in the U.S. working to homeowners get their loans out of foreclosure. Services include assistance with budget and credit issues, repayment plans, forbearance plans, loan modifications, refinances, and partial claims.
Contact an ACORN Housing Counselor at 504-267-3750 or 504-827-2114 or 1-888-409-3557 more
Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center
http://www.gnofairhousing.org/HOP.html
The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center's Homeowner Protection program seeks to protect homeownership by providing assistance in several areas including mortgage issues, foreclosure avoidance, Road Home assistance, insurance issues, contractor complaints, and homestead exemption and tax advising. Visit the website or call 504-596-2100 for more information.
Hope for Homeowners: Foreclosure Assistance
http://www.995hope.org/
The Hope for Homeowners program can help homeowners facing foreclosure with assistance and resources to help you get back on track.
Call the homeownership hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for immediate assistance 24/7.
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ACORN Predatory Lending Assistance
http://acornhousing.org/TEXT/predlend.php
ACORN won a class action litigation settlement relating to the mortgage lending practices of Household Finance Corporation and Beneficial Corporation which created provisions for a Foreclosure Assistance Program (FAP).
Under this program, borrowers who are behind on their loans because they cannot afford the payments could be eligible to have their interest rates reduced enough for their loans to become affordable again.
If you have suffered a verifiable loss of income or a verifiable increase in expenses since the time you took out your loan (such as loss of employment, temporary or permanent disability, reduction in monthly pay, increase in mortgage interest rate, child care, taxes or medical expenses), you may be eligible for hardship relief. ACORN also has a Fresh Start program for borrowers who have lost their homes through foreclosure to HFC. For more information, visit the website or call 504-267-3750 or 504-827-2114 or 1-888-409-3557. more Elevate Your House Back to Top
Elevation Information, Options, and Funding
http://www.buildnownola.com/rebuilding/index.php/#Elevation
Build Now New Orleans outlines everything you need to know about elevating your home, including information on the Road Home Elevation Grant, the HMGP Grant, and ICC Funding. Important phone numbers and deadlines are listed. Build Now also holds regular talks on how to elevate your home. See our calendar for upcoming events.
Elevation Grant Deadline Extended
http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/cdbg/dr/hmgp/hmgp.htm
For applicants who received forms to apply for HMGP elevation grants, you can still send in those forms or request another copy if you did not send it yet.
A new deadline date has not been announced yet but applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their grant request forms immediately.
*Save all building plans, permits, receipts, and other proof of payment of costs to be reimbursed by an HMGP elevation grant, should you be eligible. more
Rebuilding Information Station
http://rebuildinginfostation.org/
The Rebuilding Information Station is now online-only, with a website that features a wealth of information on rebuilding including energy efficiency, project planning, financing, water protection, and more.
Road Home Elevation Program
http://road2la.org/homeowner/faqs.htm#9
The Road Home website covers the latest information about the elevation grant. The deadline to submit your elevation funding request was December 5, 2008. Returning the form only indicated that you have an interest in possibly elevating your home and would like to be considered for funding after you investigate your options further and decide whether or not to elevate. If you have questions about the Road Home Elevation Incentive or the State
HMGP Awards call the main Road Home information number at 1-888-762-3252. Choose the
regular "homeowner option" and the advisor that answers can service any type of call.
Rebuild Your House/Build a House Back to Top
Guide to Hiring a Contractor
Contractor Fraud Survey Findings
http://www.louisianarebuilds.info/files/Survey.pdf
This survey was conducted to ascertain what impact contractor fraud is making on the recovery in the Greater New Orleans area.
Survey data was gathered between November 2008 and February 2009 using an online survey program (Survey Monkey) targeting LouisianaRebuilds.info visitors and subscribers. This .pdf documents the full results of the survey, a collaboration between LSU, LouisianaRebuilds.info, and PolicyLink.
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Contractor Fraud Survey Summary
http://www.louisianarebuilds.info/files/Survey_Summary.pdf
This brief summarizes the major findings of the Contractor Fraud Survey.
Free or Low-Cost Rebuilding Assistance
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Several organizations are helping homeowners who have limited or depleted rebuilding monies to rehabilitate their homes with the help of volunteer labor and free construction materials. Click for a list of organizations offering assistance.
$7500 Individual Hazard Mitigation Grant
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/road_home_grant_phone_line_ope.html
This grant is available to Road Home grant recipients only and offers reimbursement for storm shutters, roof tie-downs, the cost of lifting heating and cooling units and other mitigation measures. The grant program is currently under development, but you can call 866-993-0138 and leave a voice mail expressing interest. You must have your Road Home application number ready. Click the link for an article about the program.
$20 Million Gentilly Homeowners Initiative
http://www.libertybank.net/personal/loans/ghi.cfm
The $20 million Gentilly Homeowners Initiative (GHI) is a Liberty Bank program that can provide financing to existing and potential homeowners for the rehabilitation and/or purchase of homes in the Gentilly area of New Orleans (bounded by Gentilly Avenue, Bayou St.
John, Leon C. Simon Drive and the Industrial Canal).
Through the Gentilly Homeowners Initiative, Liberty will provide assistance to homeowners in estimating cost of completion, identifying contractors, and financing options to rebuild their homes and their neighborhoods. All contractors who work on GHI financed properties will be Liberty qualified in terms of the quality of their work, professionalism, affordability of pricing (rehabilitation versus new construction), licensing and insurance or bonding requirements. For more information call Liberty Bank Customer Care at (504) 240-5288. more
Preservation Resource Center Salvage Store
http://www.prcno.org/utilities/news/1015
The Salvage Store sells salvaged rebuilding materials for bargain prices.
Items available for sale include used windows, doors, columns, brackets, and wrought iron railings. The store is open from 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday, at 2801 Marais St. in the Bywater.
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Habitat ReStore
Rebuilding Consultation
http://www.habitat-nola.org/restore/index.php
Habitat ReStore accepts donations and resells new or used items such as sheetrock, roofing materials, doors, cabinets, and more for 30% to 90% off retail prices.
All profits from the Habitat ReStore are used to help Habitat build more houses in the New Orleans area.
Habitat ReStore is located at 2830 Royal Street and is open Wednesday thru Saturday 9:30am-5pm. Donations of doors, windows, cabinets, working appliances, roofing materials, sheet rock, and lumber are needed. Any building or remodeling material that's in good shape can be recycled through the Habitat ReStore, saving dumping costs and providing a tax deduction. To make a donation, drop it by the store, or call the Habitat ReStore at (504) 943-2240 to arrange for pickup. more
Rebuilding Information Station
http://rebuildinginfostation.org/
The Rebuilding Information Station is now online-only, with a website that features a wealth of information on rebuilding including energy efficiency, project planning, financing, water protection, and more.
ACORN Housing: Rebuilding Consultation for 9th Ward and NO East Homeowners
http://www.acornhousing.org/TEXT/offices.php?reg=4
AHC NOLA Development offers rehab/rebuilding consultation services to current Lower Ninth Ward and New Orleans East homeowners.
The goal of this program is to help property owners navigate the rebuilding process. This service will include some or all of the following elements:
Build Now New Orleans
http://www.buildnownola.com/index.php
Build Now is a non-profit home-builder that helps New Orleans residents who lost their homes as a result of Hurricane Katrina overcome the obstacles preventing them from rebuilding.
Build Now assists each client with everything from choosing a floor plan to finding financing, and then builds a new home on the client's lot. Build Now holds a speaker series on the 3rd Thursday of every month called Build Now Talks. Visit the website or call (504) 324-3964 for more information.
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Preservation Resource Center
http://www.prcno.org/
The Preservation Resource Center offers a wealth of information for homeowners who are repairing or renovating, informative workshops, and a library of important rebuilding resources.
Rebuilding Flood damaged Homes Manual (.pdf)
http://www.afhh.org/res/res_pubs/shrfdh.pdf
This guide from the Alliance for Healthy Homes lays out how to clear out, decontaminate, and restore flood-damaged homes in a safe, healthy and affordable manner. The easy to read, illustrated manual emphasizes how to make homes better able to withstand high winds and water intrusion.
LSU AgCenter "LA House" Resource Guide
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/family_home/home/la_house/my_house/
The LSU Ag Center has put together a resource guide of checklists and information to help you rebuild your house.
Information covers energy efficiency, healthy home-building, hazard-resistant materials, and more.
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Rebuilding? Get a Copy of the Louisiana Speaks Pattern Book
http://www.louisianaspeaks.org/planning.html?c=7
The Louisiana Recovery Authority's Louisiana Speaks initiative has put together the Louisiana Pattern Book, a reference guide of building designs and materials that will enable people to rebuild using more storm-resistant materials while maintaining the architectural character of South Louisiana.
Visit the Louisiana Speaks website to download the Pattern Book.
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Clean Your House Back to Top
Mold Removal Guide
http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/publications.asp?ID=145&Detail=716
Download this guide to mold removal from the CDC.
Free Lead Paint Tests
ACORN is helping individuals obtain free lead-paint tests. Call (504) 943-0044, ext. 155.
Creating a Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes (.pdf)
http://www.nhsnola.org/FloodCleanupGuide.pdf
Download this illustrated step-by-step instructional guide for do-it-yourselfers and contractors.
You can also order a free copy by calling 585-327-5530.
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Demolish Your House Back to Top
Is My House on the Demolition List?
http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?tabid=118
View a list of properties considered a nuisance and slated for demolition according to New Orleans' Gutting Ordinance.
Deconstruction: An Alternative to Demolition
http://www.mercycorps.org/topics/hurricanekatrina/1319
Deconstruction is done by contractors who take a home apart piece by piece to salvage reusable materials, recover items of historic value, and reclaim personal belongings if possible. For information call 225-236-2037.
Permits Back to Top
Research Property Titles
http://www.notarialarchives.org/
The Notarial Archives is a government agency that files and maintains land records and other contracts recorded in Orleans Parish.
You can find out who owns a property at the archives, which is located at 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 500. Call (504) 568-8577 for more information.
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Orleans Parish Building Permits
http://www.cityofno.com/Portals/Portal37/portal.aspx
Safety & Permits-City Hall
1300 Perdido Street, Room 7E07 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 658-7130
St. Bernard Parish Permits
http://www.sbpg.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=317&Itemid=156
Click the link for St. Bernard permitting information or call (504) 278-4310.
St. Tammany Parish Building Permits
http://www.stpgov.org/departments_permits_downloads.php
Department of Permits & Regulatory:
21490 Koop Drive Mandeville, LA 70471 Phone: 985-898-2574 Slidell Office: 61134 Military Road Slidell Slidell, LA 70458 Phone: 985-646-4166
Jefferson Parish Building Permits
http://www.jeffparish.net/index.cfm?DocID=1178
East Bank
1221 Elmwood Pk. Blvd., Suite 101 Harahan, LA 70123 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial: 736-6959 Residential: 736-6957 West Bank 400 Maple Street Harvey, LA 70058 8:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Commercial: 364-3658 Residential: 364-3512 more Green Building Back to Top
Entergy Energy Efficiency Programs
http://www.entergy-neworleans.com/energy_efficiency/residential.aspx
Entergy New Orleans encourages energy efficiency by providing rebates for ceiling insulation, wall insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and high efficiency air conditioning and heat pumps in existing homes.
Depending on what measures installed the customer may be able to receive rebates as much as $1,000 when installing a new high efficiency A/C, ceiling and wall insulation.
Entergy also provides incentives to new home builders for homes that are built 15% greater than the 2006 IECC Energy Code currently in place in Orleans Parish. For more information, visit the website or call 1-866-721-0249, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. more
Build it Back Green
http://www.globalgreen.org/bibg
BIBG, a service of Global Green, can help you rebuild your home in a healthier, more energy-efficient way, helping you to reduce monthly utility costs.
Homeowners can call Global Green to learn how simple home modification upgrades can save up to 20% on utility bills. Personalized energy assessments are available, as well as information about green products that can be purchased locally. Visit the website for rebuilding tips, schedule an in-person consultation, or check the BIBG calendar for informational presentations. Stop by the Resource Center at 841 Carondelet to learn more about green building technologies or energy savings or call 525-2121 for more information.
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The Green Project
http://www.thegreenproject.org/
The Green Project, located in New Orleans, recycles building components, materials, and paints, along with occasional supplies, furniture, appliances, or garden items.
Visit the Green Project for low-cost building materials, or donate your materials for re-use.
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Global Green USA
http://www.globalgreen.org/
A resource center for environmentally friendly building products and information.
Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m. 841 Carondelet St. more
Go Green NOLA
http://www.gogreennola.org/
Go Green NOLA is a guide for the New Orleans community on how to build and live in a green and sustainable way.
Find information on energy efficient building and living, gardening, recycling, local foods, local farmers markets, and more.
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Green Light New Orleans
http://www.greenlightneworleans.org/
Green Light New Orleans aims to help residents reduce energy consumption and energy bills by offering to change old style incandescent bulbs to modern compact fluorescent lighting FREE of charge. Each CFL will save the user more than $45 over the life of the bulb. They will come to your home and exchange your light bulbs at no cost to you.
Homeowners and renters are eligible. Read more and sign up on their website.
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Recycling in New Orleans (.pdf)
http://recycle.tulane.edu/PDFs/Recycle_Book_Winter2008.pdf
Download this directory to find out where you can recycle in the New Orleans area.
Tips for Reducing Summer Utility Bills
http://lsuagcenter.com/en/family_home/home/design_construction/Design/Remodeling+Renovation/Improving+Energy+Efficiency/
The LSU Ag Center has compiled a list of cost-effective ways to reduce summer utility bills.
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