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Gov. Perry announces reimbursements for schools rebuilding from Hurricane Ike House Bill 4102 provides relief to school districts affected by disasters

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BEAUMONT - Gov. Rick Perry today announced the state has authorized more than $62.8 million to reimburse school districts for the cost of repairs incurred as a result of Hurricane Ike. The reimbursements are part of House Bill 4102, which provides relief for school districts impacted by disasters or other emergencies. "Before this bill, state law made no real provision for dollars lost due to structural damages, attendance declines or property value losses resulting from disasters. House Bill 4102 creates a means for schools to be reimbursed for the expenses incurred while rebuilding from storms like Hurricane'Ike," Gov. Perry said. "This bill saves schools from not only losing funding due to lower attendance averages, but also paying to repair and rebuild their facilities."

In addition to funding for Hurricane Ike losses, HB 4102 reimburses school districts that lost funding from closures due to the H1N1 outbreak last spring, or incurred damage during the 2008 hurricane season for the cost of repairs that are not recovered through insurance or federal payments. The Texas Education Agency will oversee distribution of the funds.

"Smith Middle School is an example of, the resiliency of our public schools. Although still rebuilding and repairing the structural



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© 2009 Stonewall County Courier Aspermont, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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