The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) has received notice that President Joseph R. Biden has ordered the federal share for Public Assistance related to Hurricane Laura, including direct federal assistance, to be increased to 90 percent of the total eligible costs, except for assistance previously authorized at 100 percent.

Under Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines, Louisiana typically qualifies for a 75/25 federal-state cost share for a disaster — meaning the federal government would reimburse the state for 75% of the cost for repairing public buildings, roads, or other specific infrastructure items.

“I’m very thankful to Pres. Biden and his administration for increasing federal assistance to our state. This has been a difficult 12-month period for many people in Louisiana due to Hurricane Laura, several other weather emergencies, including the ongoing response to winter weather, and due to COVID-19,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “By increasing the federal cost-share to 90 percent, President Biden has lessened the impact to our state and local government budgets for the emergency response and recovery work following Hurricane Laura and will improve our ability to protect our citizens.”