For Release: Wednesday, July 12, 2006          

PARISH EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR RIGHT-OF-ENTRY PROGRAM 

            Parish President Kevin Davis has extended the deadline to submit applications for private property debris removal and demolition through July 31. 

            The CDM company was retained last spring to administer the program.  Applicants must provide documentation of insurance, any payments received, damages, etc., and contact CDM by the end of July.  CDM has temporary offices on Koop Drive near the Parish Government complex. 

An earlier deadline was extended and the announcement from Washington that reimbursement to local governments will continue through year’s end has allowed a longer extension. 

            CDM will process applications, but final determination of eligibility for the program will be made by FEMA.  Parish officials have no authority over eligibility. 

            To date, CDM has received more than 3,000 applications for the program.  Accepted and approved applicants are eligible for government-funded demolition of structures on private property that were significantly damaged by Hurricane Katrina, and for the removal of leaning and hanging branches that pose a threat to life or property.  For more information about the program and to learn specific requirements, contact CDM at 898-3080. 

            “President Bush’s decision to extend FEMA reimbursement will allow us greater flexibility in ensuring the needs of our citizens are met in this regard,” Davis said in announcing the new deadline.  “Citizens who may be eligible for this program need to apply as quickly as possible, however, as we will be unable to extend the deadline further due to the time required to process applications and execute approved work orders.” 

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