Article archive / September 2017
Originally published: . Volume 8, No. 9. Source pages: 4.
At its meeting on Friday, Aug. 18, the Restore Louisiana Task Force unanimously approved Gov. John Bel Edwards’ request to expand the homeowner assistance program to all homeowners who had flood insurance during the March and August 2016 floods.
In addition, the task force unanimously approved the governor’s request to increase grant award amounts to those who are already eligible for both construction work and reimbursements.
The measures, which now go to the governor and then HUD for final approval, could allow thousands more flood-impacted homeowners to apply for awards.
“I want to make certain that the Restore Louisiana program is made available to help as many homeowners as we can,” said Gov. Edwards. “While we can never be fast enough to be satisfied, I have said from the beginning that as more recovery dollars become available, my administration would work to expand the program and benefits to help more homeowners.”
Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says the limits were in place because of the state’s need to ensure the program is adequately funded. As grants have been awarded and home inspections and damage assessments have been completed, “It’s clear that there should be enough funds to meet additional unmet needs of affected households,” Forbes said. The measures approved Friday expands eligibility to all homeowners with flood insurance who still have an unmet need after insurance proceeds and increases the percentage of reimbursement, among other changes.
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