Urges and requests certain governmental entities to assist Livingston Parish in the successful resolution of outstanding administrative appeals filed with FEMA for reimbursement of costs associated with debris removal in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.
Impact
The resolution emphasizes the financial strain on Livingston Parish due to its unreimbursed costs, which amount to approximately $62.76 million. The lack of timely reimbursement has not only impacted the parish's budget but has also put many contractors and service providers at risk of financial instability. By urging members of the Louisiana congressional delegation and the state governor to intervene, the resolution reflects a significant concern over the federal response to local emergencies and the handling of funds meant for disaster recovery.
Summary
SCR78 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests assistance for Livingston Parish in its ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding administrative appeals against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These appeals are related to significant costs incurred for debris removal following Hurricane Gustav, which hit the area in September 2008. The resolution highlights the critical financial predicament faced by Livingston Parish as it seeks reimbursement for expenses that FEMA previously indicated would be eligible for federal funding.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR78 appears to be one of urgency and solidarity in the face of bureaucratic delay. Legislators expressed a unified call to action, recognizing the dire situation in Livingston Parish and the need for federal support to manage the aftermath of the disaster effectively. The resolution passed unanimously in the Senate, indicating strong bipartisan support for the cause.
Contention
While SCR78 focuses on appeal resolution, it implicitly raises broader questions about the efficiency of FEMA's response mechanisms and the processes governing disaster relief funding. The potential contention lies in the systemic issues highlighted by the resolution, pointing to delays in assistance that can compound the challenges faced by local governments during recovery efforts after disasters.
Urges and requests certain governmental entities to assist Livingston Parish in the successful resolution of outstanding administrative appeals filed with FEMA for reimbursement of costs associated with debris removal in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav
Requests the Louisiana Recovery Authority to reimburse the extraordinary expenses incurred by Daybrook Fisheries, Inc., related to its clean-up and recovery in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Directs the allocation of federal funds received due to Hurricane Isaac to parishes based on the amount of damage sustained within the parish. (EN SEE FISC NOTE FF EX See Note)
Urges and requests parish offices of homeland security and emergency preparedness to maintain a voluntary registry of at risk persons and persons with special needs who will require assistance during times of evacuation and certain other agencies to annually submit names of such persons who have consented to being included in the registry.
Establishes a judicial building fund for the construction of a new courthouse in the Twenty-First Judicial District Court in Livingston Parish (EN +$1,366,860 LF RV See Note)
Urges and requests certain governmental entities to assist Livingston Parish in the successful resolution of outstanding administrative appeals filed with FEMA for reimbursement of costs associated with debris removal in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav
Requests DOTD study feasibility of south alternative routes to I-12 in the parishes of East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension between US 61 and LA 16.
Directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study water drainage issues in Livingston Parish as a result of Interstate 12 median walls