Washington, DC, Jun 13, 2006 - U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, was successful in including language in the Emergency Supplemental bill that will benefit Texas. This language directs FEMA to equally reimburse all counties or parishes that are receiving reimbursement from the Disaster Relief Fund for recovery expenses as a result of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

“The Southeast Texas coast suffered billions in damages at the hand of Hurricane Rita, and many communities throughout Texas are still struggling to recover,” Congressman Carter said. “I am pleased to have helped communities throughout Texas by securing equal rates of compensation for disaster recovery efforts. During difficult times of rebuilding, all areas that suffer devastating damage should be equally supported.”

In the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Louisiana was required to pay only 10 percent of the cost, while Texas was responsible for 25 percent of expenses incurred. This language clarifies that all counties and parishes declared a major disaster as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will receive the same percentage of federal assistance.