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Home > Current News > 2009

News: 2009

LDWF Provides Updated Information for Disaster Reimbursement Program
Posted: 8/21/09

Today the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced a slight delay in the rendering of financial assistance to commercial fishermen who were affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  Earlier this year, the department launched a $30 million reimbursement program utilizing funds from a $40 million appropriation allocated to the state for fisheries disaster assistance to the commercial fishing industry.

“We understand the dire needs of the industry in the current economic conditions and we commit to finding every possible means to streamline this process so that no further delays occur,” said LDWF Assistant Secretary Randy Pausina.  “As always, our number one goal is to put the money in the hands of commercial fishermen as soon as possible.”

The delay results from complications during development of the database system used for tracking packet receipt and payments to fishermen and dealers.  Initially, payments were scheduled to be issued within four to six weeks from the time completed forms were received by South Central Planning and Development Commission (SCPDC). Subsequently, the first batch of checks is scheduled to be mailed the week of August 31, 2009.  LDWF, which distributes the relief money, says its goal is to minimize the delay as much as possible and will distribute the money in the order in which the applications were received. 

All receipts and invoices must be received or postmarked no later than September 30, 2010 to be considered for reimbursement.  Any questions should be directed to SCPDC by calling 1-800-630-3791 (toll free) or 985-655-1051 (local), mailing SCPDC at P.O. Box 1240, Gray, LA 70359-9902 or visiting the SCPDC Web site at www.scpdc.org/fisheriesassistance.

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