WASHINGTON – Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., issued the following statement Thursday in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s announcement that it will extend housing assistance for Gulf Coast hurricane victims for another 18 months, until March 1, 2009:
“FEMA’s decision to continue financial assistance to more than 110,000 displaced victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is a very positive development and good news for those still reeling from these disasters. FEMA must ensure that the Disaster Housing Assistance Program is flexible enough to guarantee help to all who need it, and if that occurs, this extension will help those hardest hit get back on their feet and give them more time to find jobs and affordable housing in their new communities. I am also encouraged by FEMA’s decision to partner with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help victims transition into permanent housing. Some 80,000 hurricane victims still live in FEMA trailers, so we must continue to do all we can to help those displaced by the 2005 hurricane season.”
-30-