WASHINGTON — Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) talked with Governor John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Congressional delegation to coordinate response efforts for this year’s flooding and secure recovery aid for the state of Louisiana.
“Our discussion with the governor was a continuation of our unity in our request for FEMA to increase the cost-share structure between the agency and the state to a 90 percent-10 percent ratio.” said Dr. Cassidy. “We are fortunate that this delegation brings relationships with the Freedom Caucus, a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, a position in House leadership, experience with water mitigation, as well as a seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Those that directly represent those affected share the responsibility to make sure that Louisianans have the resources they need to rebuild, recover and prosper.”
Dr. Cassidy, and the Louisiana Congressional delegation, sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Craig Fugate requesting a 90 percent-10 percent cost-share ratio between FEMA and the state of Louisiana for recovery costs, FEMA carrying 90 percent of the financial burden.
FEMA normally splits disaster response and recovery costs with state and local entities at a 75 percent-25 percent cost-share ratio. However, due to the severity of flooding and frequency of the flooding disasters that have occurred in Louisiana over the past 18 months, Dr. Cassidy is requesting that FEMA consider a cost-share adjustment to 90 percent when making their recommendation to the president. Dr. Cassidy urges FEMA to consider each flooding disaster over the past 18 months as one when making their recommendation for a cost-share structure.
Forty-nine of Louisiana’s 65 parishes have been declared federal disaster areas this year, representing each of the six congressional districts. This has put a severe strain on state and local resources. An increase in the cost-share ratio would go a long way in helping the citizens of Louisiana fully recover following these major flood disasters.
The full text of the Louisiana delegation’s letter to FEMA can be read here.