(Lafayette, LA) – Dr. Charles Boustany (R-Lafayette) issued the following statement after Governor Edwards’ Administration sent a letter to President Obama appealing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of an increase in the federal cost-share of disaster assistance to 90% for the flooding event of March 2016.

Boustany said: “Two historic flooding events in the same year have taken a toll on Louisiana communities, leaving many families struggling to recover. I support Governor Edwards’ decision to appeal President Obama’s denial of increasing the federal cost-share for the March flooding. Thirty-six parishes were impacted by rainfall in March that caused many rivers to reach record levels. These communities should not be left stranded. President Obama must reconsider his decision to deny Louisianians affected by the March flooding events the assistance they need to get back on their feet.”

Beginning on March 8, 2016, continuous rainfall in Louisiana lasted for an entire month, accumulating over two feet during the first week alone. Combined with subsequent flooding in August 2016, 56 of 64 Louisiana parishes were impacted and a disaster was declared. Once a disaster declaration has been granted, the federal government automatically establishes a reimbursement rate of 75 percent federal, 25 percent local for the cost of relief efforts. The flooding events of August 2016 were approved for a 90:10 cost-share ratio, however, the March flooding event was denied. Taking into account the cumulative effects of multiple disasters, in which 8 parishes were affected by both events in the same year, the letter from Governor Edwards requests that President Obama amend his decision and allow for a 90:10 federal cost share to include the March flooding event.

###