BRAC Updates Analysis of Potential Magnitude of the Flood’s Impact on Baton Rouge Region
Analysis released Friday updated to reflect new information from East Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, La. (August 22, 2016)– The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) updated its preliminary analysis of the potential magnitude of the flooding on the Baton Rouge Area, based on new information from East Baton Rouge. BRAC – the lead economic development organization for Louisiana’s Capital Region – hopes that by analyzing initial data available, greater awareness of the potential impact on people and property will grow nationally.
Some of the new information from the City-Parish indicates:
- In terms of gross numbers, East Baton Rouge was most affected with 161,282 people and nearly 70,000 homes in the flood zone.
- 35.4% of East Baton Rouge homes are in flood-affected areas, and 41.5% of homes in the MSA are located in identified flood zones.
- Almost 12,000 local businesses are in flood areas – representing approximately 35% of all Capital Area businesses.
- MSA-wide, up to 359,619 people live in flood-affected areas, representing 146,156 homes, totaling $30.4 billion in home values.
BRAC originally published the analysis last Friday, but advised that it would update the findings as new information became available.
BRAC used data from Louisiana State University’s Stephenson Disaster Management Institute and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Although 20 parishes in Louisiana have received federal disaster area declarations, BRAC’s analysis offers insight into potential impact within the State’s Capital Region alone – a perspective on a portion of the impact to the state as a whole.
The updated analysis and data can be viewed here.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include approximately 1,500 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.