For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 20, 2005

Statement on Additional Disaster Assistance for Louisiana from Hurricane Rita

The President today made additional disaster assistance available to the State of Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Rita from September 23-November 1, 2005, by authorizing an extension of the period of 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Under the President's major disaster declaration issued for the State of Louisiana on September 24, 2005, for Hurricane Rita, Federal funding was made available to State and designated local governments for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, at 75 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs. For a 34-day period, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, was provided at 100 percent of the total eligible costs.

On October 26, 2005, the President amended his declaration of September 24, 2005, and extended the time period for 100 percent Federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for a period of 30 days, through and including November 26, 2005.

Under the President's order today, the time period for the 100 percent Federal funding of total eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, has been extended through and including January 15, 2006. Effective January 16, 2006, the Federal funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, will be authorized at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.

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