Christie says plans for Sandy funds avoid pitfalls of Katrina recovery
THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2013, 8:26 PM
BY JOHN REITMEYER
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
THE RECORD
Giving Louisiana homeowners a lump sum money in “turned out to be a disaster” after Hurricane Katrina, and that’s why New Jersey will administer its superstorm Sandy aid program differently, Governor Christie said.
Speaking Thursday after a meeting with business owners in Long Branch, Christie said he’s hoping the federal government will approve New Jersey’s more stringent plan to help homeowners repair and elevate their homes by May 1.
The Record reported earlier this week that federal auditors determined millions of dollars in federal aid was paid out in Louisiana after Katrina hit in 2005 for home elevations that were never completed. And eight years later, Louisiana still can’t account for how most homeowners spent grants intended to raise homes above the threat of floodwaters.
The problem, the auditors said, was the homeowners were given money in upfront lump sums, and not in installments.
“We’re not doing that,” Christie said. “That was done in Louisiana and turned out to be a disaster.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/Christie_contrasts_NJ_plan_for_Sandy_aid_with_Louisianas_.html
