Louisiana Senate Bill SCR78

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/11
• Passed: 6/15/11
• Engrossed: 6/15/11

Caption

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.