Matters Under Review MUR Holding Disaster Recovery to Account

State of Louisiana Reconstruction Guide from a Homeowners perspective that may end tragically

The state of Louisiana has outsourced nearly all the recovery processes from the 2016 floods that is making every flood victim look over policy not only once, twice, but weekly for any unannounced changes.

By Murray Wennerlund published 10-1-2018 updated 6-5-2019
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HUD Grantee state of Louisiana denies Retiree Reimbursement for reconstruction for not following HUD policy

HUD Grantee the State of Louisiana denied a retiree any reimbursement for rebuilding their home to city and parish codes regarding Base Flood Elevation months before the HUD Grantee LRHAP released policy and guidelines for reconstruction of flooded homes.

By Murray Wennerlund published 8-6-2018 updated 1-15-2022
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True experience with IEM Inc. Disaster Recovery people, it is very hard to find straight answers

For months homeowners have asked the same question of IEM contractors. Many questions were posted, email, called in to the Baton Rouge call center that IEM inc manages. Some from as far back as May 2018 that are still unanswered today. Heres one Question

By Murray Wennerlund published 1-12-2019 updated 1-15-2022
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What it means to be Low and Moderate income families in declared disaster zones in the USA and Territories.

More specifically, what does it mean to rebuild with next to nothing leaving you dependent on federal and state agencies that seem not to understand the urgency of the matter.

By Contributor published 6-27-2018 updated 8-11-2021
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eGrantsPlus 4.2 Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program Grant Policy Changes side by side view

eGrants Award Instructions dont change often but when they do you need to know what changed and you need to read your grant instructions. You may not be aware of all the policy rule changes that may place you as ineligible anytime during your recovery.

By Murray Wennerlund published 4-16-2019 updated 1-15-2022
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East Baton Rouge is awarded $11.25 million for Disaster Mitigation Planning and Design work.

It was 1953, DR-3, Floods in Louisiana, study shows water runs toward the gulf. Then in the 70s, 80s, water still flows the same direction with ponding along the way. In 1991, engineers hired to study how to dig a ditch 12 miles long asked for more money

By Murray Wennerlund published 5-29-2019 updated 1-15-2022
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Elevation for disaster victims, the Data, Math and illogical approach that costs flood victims 5% more.

Elevation Cost Analysis by IEM recommends increasing disaster victims out of pocket costs by more than 5 percent if homeowner selects to use concrete blocks for column supports in lieu of timber poles or wood columns.

By Murray Wennerlund published 1-12-2019 updated 6-5-2019
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State of Louisiana OCD-DRU corrects Action Plan 9 and effectively hides $682 million to benefit credit worthy

When plans are made to move money from one program to the next amounts below several million do not have to be approved by HUD but when the State of Louisiana OCD-DRU places 682 million of homeowners assistance "on hold" for SBA loan recipients...

By Contributor published 8-8-2018 updated 11-5-2018
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Homeowner with Zero Grant Award Calculation sent Zero Grant Award Letter with line, "Wait for SBA Bailout Fix"

Ms. Smith did everything right after the 2016 floods in Louisiana. Her family collected every dime they had, used insurance and took an SBA Disaster loan to rebuild their home. Their home was completed before they leaned about HUD CDBG-DR grants.

By Contributor published 3-2-2019 updated 1-15-2022
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How high should your finished floor of your new home be from your lowest land grade?

Its becoming more and more a problem for federal agencies, state departments and local municipalities to settle on a standard for elevating your home in known flood zones and potential flood zones.

By Murray Wennerlund published 12-6-2022 updated 12-6-2022
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