Most Of El Paso’s Katrina Costs To Be Covered

EL PASO, TX. – With many hurricane evacuees still inside the Downtown El Paso Convention Center, word comes from Washington that the city’s cost will be covered – to a certain extent.

The State of Texas clarified what will be covered by the federal government. ABC-7 spoke with Mayor John Cook who says the cost to the City of El Paso is still “zero.”

Texas has already paid millions to care for thousands of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Tuesday, the Federal Government gave Texas state officials a better idea of how much money Washington will reimburse for those costs.

A large portion of the expense of housing hurricane evacuees and pets will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A memo written this weekend specifies just what will be covered, and how much local governments like El Paso will be responsible for.

Items like food, water, cots and blankets will be funded. Modifications to shelters like recreation equipment, showers as well as power, water and phone costs will also be reimbursed.

Additionally, the cost of overtime pay for security, the shelter, and any form of transportation will be re-paid according to Texas State Emergency Office. Store vouchers and phone cards, which were donated to hurricane evacuees in El Paso, so the city will not be charged anyway.

The use of any housing owned by a local government, such as empty warehouse space the city has will not be reimbursed for rent; nor will meals for hurricane evacuees staying at hotels. Medical care, such as hospital bills, and nursing homes will be reimbursed; but not long term care.

Educational costs, like additional teachers and textbooks will not be reimbursed by the Federal Government. But the Department of Education may pick up the cost later.

The Texas Education Commissioner estimates the cost of an additional 60,000 students from the hurricane disaster area at $450 million.