Sens. Hutchison, Cornyn Announce 100 Percent Reimbursement Extension for Debris Removal

Press Release

Previous Extension Ended September 26

Today U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) announced that the President has approved their request for the federal government to reimburse counties for 100% of the cost of debris removal and emergency protective measures from Hurricane Ike for 30 days beginning September 26.

On October 6, Senators Hutchison and Cornyn sent a letter to FEMA Administrator David Paulison asking that he extend the reimbursement period for counties in the affected area. County officials, uncertain that their costs for debris removal would be fully reimbursed, have expressed concern that their ability to restore basic services has been jeopardized while they wait for a decision. Sens. Hutchison and Cornyn previously sent this request in a letter to the President on September 16.

"Many of our affected counties need certainty about what will be reimbursed as they do their best to restore services," said Sen. Hutchison. "With this announcement, local elected officials can return their complete focus on cleaning up the area and rebuilding neighborhoods. I spoke with President Bush personally and believe he was touched by the devastation that he witnessed. I appreciate that the President heard our concerns and agreed to our request. "

"Counties and communities in Southeast Texas are struggling and it's critical for the federal government to step up and do its part in the recovery and rebuilding effort. Today's announcement by FEMA is a welcome step forward that will be of tremendous assistance to the many local officials I've spoken with in recent days. While we've made progress in recent weeks, there is still more work to be done to ensure that all Texans who were impacted by Hurricane Ike can get back onto their feet and resume their normal daily lives. I had the opportunity to meet with Southeast Texas leaders and officials from FEMA in Beaumont yesterday where I assured the local leaders that I am committed to doing everything I can to speed up recovery efforts," said Sen. Cornyn.

The announcement states that the Federal Government will pay 100 percent of eligible costs under the Stafford Act for public assistance work in Category A (debris removal) and Category B (emergency protective measures) for a 30 day period starting September 26.

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