City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

City's Housing Recovery Initiative Award

Notification Anticipated for February

It is anticipated that applicants of the City of Lake Charles Housing Recovery Initiative, established by the City for homeowners who suffered uncompensated flood damages as a result of Hurricane Ike, will be notified of their eligibility for the award amount by the end of next month.  Applicants determined to be ineligible will also be notified and advised of the appeal process. 

The City is currently reviewing all of the applications received for accuracy and completeness.  As outlined in the program materials, documentation submitted by the applicants is being verified through independent sources.  Because the program rules include the possibility of pro-rating awards based on demand versus the available supply of funds, the City must evaluate all applications and reach a determination for all applicants before it can actually make a final award to any single applicant.

There were two award programs available: the Standardized Incentive Program for homeowners who received damage to their homes but were not covered by federal flood insurance; and, the Supplementary Assistance Program designed to help fill any insurance coverage gaps for homeowners who suffered damage and did have flood insurance.

The City of Lake Charles established the Housing Recovery Initiative with funds provided by a State of Louisiana Disaster Recovery Grant.

On September 22, 2011, the City held a public meeting initiating the application process.  Applications were open from September 23 through November 30, and then extended to December 16 at 5 p.m.   As of the deadline of December 16, 124 applications were received.

For more information, please contact Russ Adams at 337-491-1288.

        - 30 -

The City of Lake Charles fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities.   For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see the City of Lake Charles website- www.cityoflakecharles.com  or call the Mayor's Action Line at (337) 491-1346, or contact the appropriate Department Head, or call the Title VI coordinator at (337) 491-1440.