Baker & the Flood of 2016 In August 2016, a low-pressure system dropped 22-31” of rain in three days across Louisiana’s capital region. From August 12-14th, the area around the City of Baker received more than 27 inches of rain, which caused significant flooding. This flooding was the result of massive flooding across the Amite River watershed. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 3,601 homes (64%) in Baker flooded with 1,442 of these homes (40%) receiving more than two feet of water inside. City officials identified eight properties that required demolition, and 22 buildings that had flooded more than once. Unfortunately only nine of the 22 repetitive flood loss properties had flood insurance. In addition, 31 affected businesses did not return, which created vacancies in commercial districts. The flooding also impacted several public buildings, including the fire station and Baker High School. As a result, high school students relocated to Baker Middle School, and the middle school students relocated to Bakerfield Elementary School. The Baker Heights Elementary School campus housed the combined elementary school population. The 2019-2020 school year marked the fourth year of the longterm displacement of students in the Baker School System. Plans to rebuild the high school received federal approval with construction to begin in the near future.
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Resilient & Healthy Baker
