Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announces another victory in hurricane relief for East and Southeast Texas.  Today, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director David Paulison in a letter to Governor Rick Perry stated that Texas will receive reimbursement levels equal to the State of Louisiana for eligible damages resulting from Hurricane Rita. 

 

The letter specified that Texas communities are now authorized for 100 percent reimbursement of their costs associated with debris removal and emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program from the beginning of Hurricane Rita on  September 24, 2005, through June 30, 2006.  Communities will be reimbursed 90 percent of these costs from July 1, 2006, forward.

 

"At last, FEMA has recognized Texas' needs and will treat its storm victims fairly.  The 90-10 funding will go a long way in making our local governments whole, and saving local taxpayers money," said Brady who has spearheaded federal funding recovery efforts for the House including hosting a delegation of local leaders in Washington for meetings with Congressional leaders, the White House, and agency heads.  "With critical help from our county and community leaders who told the story of Hurricane Rita, Texas is going to get the help it needs. This was a team effort I am proud to be a part of."

 

These higher reimbursement levels are estimated to save Texas taxpayers at least $200 million, which U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady called "a huge help to taxpayers in our cities and counties who fought so hard to recover in the days and weeks after Hurricane Rita devastated our region."