Rep. Jefferson seeks reimbursement for evacuees in La.

New Orleans CityBusiness, Sep 3, 2008

Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, said he wants the federal government to cover evacuation expenses for those who fled ahead of Hurricane Gustav.

"From my discussions with FEMA officials it has become clear that because our region's evacuation was locally mandated, reimbursement for evacuation costs will not be covered within individual assistance unless your home was damaged by Hurricane Gustav," Jefferson said.

"This stipulation is unacceptable and does not take the needs of our citizens in consideration. I am taking the necessary steps to draft legislation that would authorize FEMA to provide reimbursement for those that endure protracted evacuations due to federally declared disasters and lack of a city infrastructure necessary to handle citizens' return whether their homes were damaged or not."