Boustany Applauds FEMA’s Efforts to Assist Hurricane Rita Survivors with Long-Term Housing

Washington, D.C. – November 24, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana), today commended the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their efforts to assist Hurricane Rita survivors’ transition into long-term housing.  FEMA announced today they are initiating a plan to help relocate the remaining residents still in temporary housing from the 2005 storms through federal, state, local and voluntary agency efforts.

“I am very pleased that FEMA is making efforts to complete the transition process for the displaced residents of the storms, especially Hurricane Rita,” Boustany said. “It is great to see that FEMA is continuing its progress in assisting those affected by these storms, and that the victims of Rita have not been forgotten.  While this is an important step towards full recovery, much work remains.  I will continue my efforts until Southwest Louisiana has completely recovered from the disaster.”

In the wake of the storms, FEMA provided shelter to over 143,000 displaced households in temporary housing units.  While the vast majority of those residents have relocated to permanent housing since the storms, less than 1% of those relocated are still in temporary housing.  FEMA has worked closely with residents and communities to find new housing for the displaced residents.  The plan announced today is the latest effort to ensure that all residents relocated by the storms are able to return to a permanent housing situation.

Congressman Boustany has worked tirelessly to restore Southwest Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Rita.  In addition to working with federal agencies in coordinating the response, Boustany has been one of the most vocal leaders in restoring the coastal region devastated by the storm, as well as reminding members of Congress of the many problems in Southwest Louisiana from “The Forgotten Storm.”