Progress towards LRA Grants for Drywall Victims…But We're Not There Yet
On December 23, 2009
By Scott Wolfe Jr
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Those living with Chinese Drywall in Louisiana received good news today about the Louisiana Recovery Authority’s efforts to grant them financial relief. While the news is good, the program is not complete and the funds aren’t quite ready to be distributed.
A few weeks ago, the Louisiana Recovery Authority set aside $5 million for Chinese Drywall victims in the state. That set into motion a bureaucratic process to have the funds approved for disbursement and a structure set in place to approve future payments to victims.
The first step in the process was the actual setting aside of the $5 million in funds.
The second step in the process was having the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approve the idea. This second step was accomplished yesterday, December 22nd.
For those living with Chinese Drywall, it’s like an early Christmas present…but not one quite ready to be opened. A spokesperson for the LRA said it best in an interview with the New Orleans Times Picayune, when she said “This is kind of like half the equation.”
As we stated in prior posts, local, state and federal governments certainly have Chinese Drywall aid on their minds…its just a matter of how and when. This LRA program seems to be one of the most advanced in the country, insofar as planning is concerned.
But it’s the same punchline at the end of the day for victims: more waiting.
Stay tuned.
This article was originally posted on Wolfe Law Group’s topic-specific Chinese Drywall Blog.
About the Author: Scott Wolfe Jr
Scott Wolfe, Jr. obtained his J.D. degree from Loyola University of New Orleans, and his B.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, Scott was recognized as a Leader in Law by CityBusiness Magazine. The son and grandson of general contractors, Scott is a construction litigator in the Pacific Northwest, and the founding member of the bi-coastal law firm, Wolfe Law Group. Scott is also the founder and CEO of Express Lien, Inc., a legal document preparation service for contractors. In 2008, City Business Magazine recognized Scott as one of its Innovators of the Year for the Express Lien concept. As an entrepreneur himself, Scott has a strong background in business and commercial transactions and laws. He focuses his practice on the legal issues facing the construction industry, and has represented clients in multi-million dollar construction disputes in litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Scott is a LEED AP.
