Johnson Urges White House to Adjust Cost Share for Hurricane Laura Recovery

Press Release

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) sent a letter to President Trump requesting him to consider a cost share adjustment for Hurricane Laura recovery. Currently, state and local governments must meet their obligation of assuming 25 percent of recovery costs, but due to the wide spread damage from Hurricane Laura in the midst of a global pandemic, Congressman Johnson requests that Louisiana be relieved of their current cost share obligation.

Currently, the total cost of damage from Hurricane Laura -- the most powerful storm to hit the state in over 160 years -- is estimated to be from $8 billion to $12 billion. The Congressman's letter goes on to state:

"While it is true that Louisianians have unfortunately become experts at disaster response and recovery, I believe it is clear that the catastrophic damage from this storm eclipses the capabilities of state and local governments to meet their current obligation of assuming 25% of the recovery costs.

"For these reasons, I respectfully ask that you use your existing authorities under the Stafford Act to provide 100% federal funding for the Public Assistance portion of the Hurricane Laura response effort."

Source