Historic Natchez Foundation receives $750,000 grant for preservation and safety updates to Historic Auburn
The Historic Natchez Foundation has been awarded a $750,000 grant from the National Park Service to support preservation and safety improvements at Historic Auburn. Historic Auburn is owned by the city of Natchez and managed by the Historic Natchez Foundation.
According to the National Park Service grant, the funding will allow the foundation, in partnership with the city, to make improvements to the property. The work will include installation of a new fire suppression system, new electrical wiring, and an advanced security system with cameras, along with other necessary repairs.
Historic Auburn was designed by Levi Weeks and constructed in 1812.
Hurricane Isaias: forecast indicates landfall east of Louisiana; Mississippi urged to prepare
The National Weather Service says Hurricane Isaias is following a projected path that would likely produce minimal effects in the region, with the storm forecast to make landfall well to the east of Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast places landfall east of Louisiana, and the National Weather Service expects Louisiana to avoid more severe impacts.
Forecasters noted that the potential remains for the storm to develop into a Category 2 hurricane before encountering wind shear. Reported expected impacts for southeast Louisiana include storm surge, gusty winds, and some rainfall.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is urging residents across Mississippi to begin preparing for Hurricane Isaias. MEMA stated the storm could bring significant rainfall, flash flooding, and other impacts to Mississippi beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. Forecasters predict the storm could develop into a Category 2 hurricane.
MEMA said it is coordinating with local emergency managers and will deploy resources as requested. The agency also reported coordination with first responders, including the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi National Guard.
Fortified roof designation change: planned 15-year limit and loss of discounts
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), which established the fortified roof standard in 2010, is seeking a change to how long roofs can retain fortified designation. Under the proposed change, fortified roofs would be designated for 15 years. After that period, insurance companies would no longer be able to offer discounts tied to the designation.
Louisiana’s first fortified roof was installed in 2021, which would mean the earliest adopters in the state could see discount eligibility end in 2036, based on a 15-year designation period.
Mississippi River level
The Mississippi River in Natchez-Athalia is reported at 24.7 feet and falling.
