New Orleans to Use Naval Base as Disaster Center

New Orleans plans to turn a naval base into a special center to handle future disasters.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved a plan to turn the Naval Support Activity site on the eastbank of New Orleans into a disaster management center.

New Orleans officials say the center will house essential personnel and store supplies and equipment.

The naval base is set to close in September as part of a nationwide realignment plan of military facilities.

The city says the plan calls for setting aside 2.5 acres of the land on the base for housing for the homeless.