Governor Requests Extensions and Reimbursements

Governor Rick Perry has asked FEMA to extend the deadline for 100 percent federal reimbursement for debris removal for an additional six months, which would end October 26.
 
Perry also requested emergency protective measures be funded at 100 percent federal reimbursement, dating back to Oct. 26, 2008, and continue for an additional 12 months.

A press release on the Governor's Web site at www.governor.state.tx.us says that during the 2008 hurricane season, the Texas coast was hit by three hurricanes and a tropical storm within a 90 day period, leading to the simultaneous designation of all Texas coastal counties as presidential disaster areas for the first time in the state's history.
 
As a result of Hurricane Ike alone, Texas sustained more than $50 billion in damages. To date, the state has been allocated $3.4 billion for recovery for all 2008 hurricane season damage.
 

Perry is asking the Legislature to set aside $150 million for a "disaster contingency fund," to be used by local and state officials in the immediate aftermath of future disasters to address essential needs such as debris removal and temporary housing. The fund would be replenished by FEMA reimbursements.