Scalise: FEMA announces CDL forgiveness for East Jefferson General Hospital, St. Tammany Fire District # 1

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made their initial determinations regarding cancellation of Special Community Disaster Loans (SCDLs).  The St. Tammany Parish Fire District #1 and East Jefferson General Hospital are among the nine applicants who will receive complete forgiveness. 

“Our Congressional delegation has been pushing FEMA for five years to forgive these loans and provide us the same forgiveness that other communities across the country have received.  This announcement is a vital step that will help East Jefferson Hospital and St. Tammany Fire District # 1 complete their recovery.”  Scalise said.   “While this is good news, there are still over 40 applicants who did not qualify for full or partial forgiveness, and I will continue pressing FEMA to ensure these applicants receive the same treatment.”

“This loan allowed East Jefferson to keep this institution open and available to the community after the storm, said Mark J. Peters, MD, CPE, President and Chief Executive Officer at East Jefferson General Hospital.  “The financial losses of years immediately following Katrina have been staggering to this hospital. Forgiveness of these loans translates to survival for so many organizations serving this region.  Congressman Scalise’s tenacity and efforts, along with others in the delegation, were absolutely instrumental in advancing this forgiveness.”

Since being elected to Congress in 2008, Scalise has been a strong voice in pushing FEMA to completely forgive all these loans.  Local governments, fire departments, universities, and hospitals have been waiting for this decision for more than two years.  Most of them have continued to face large debts and continue to struggle with their recovery from Hurricane Katrina as a result.

The nine applicants in Louisiana who are eligible for a full loan cancellation are:

  • City of New Orleans
  • St. Bernard Port, Harbor & Terminal
  • St. Tammany Parish Fire District #1
  • Orleans Parish Sheriff
  • St. Bernard Parish Government
  • Port of New Orleans
  • New Orleans Aviation Board
  • City of Westwego
  • Jefferson Parish Hospital Service District #2 (East Jefferson General Hospital)

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Contact: Stephen Bell
202-226-9113


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