Confusion reigns over when and how much reimbursement is coming for helping migrants

[Elderberry]

Houston Chronicle by Bill Lambrecht July 19, 2019

Confusion reigns over when and how much reimbursement is coming to cities, nonprofits for helping migrants

Cities and nonprofits on the verge of finally getting federal reimbursement for providing humanitarian assistance to migrants found out Friday they may have to wait some more — and that there may not be enough money to go around.

“They are not going to meet the deadline. I can tell you that right now,” said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, referring to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The best thing that cities, counties and nonprofits can do right now is pull all their receipts together and get ready.”

For the city of San Antonio and local nonprofits, those receipts are going to tally close to $1 million.

On July 1, President Donald Trump signed a $4.5 billion spending package to address the influx of migrants from Central America and elsewhere. The legislation included $30 million to repay cities and humanitarian groups for providing shelter, food and other services.

The bill said the funds were to be disbursed within 30 days, which would be by July 31.

But Cuellar said Friday that based on what he has learned from discussions with FEMA officials, cities and nonprofits should expect delays.

Asked for comment, a FEMA spokesman indicated that there would be at least a short delay. He said the agency expected to issue a notice regarding the funding “within 30 days,” which would be mid-August, and that it would begin to distribute the money “shortly thereafter.”

“We are not able to answer specific questions or provide an exact timeline,” the spokesman said.

Later Friday, a different FEMA spokesman said the agency would accept applications for reimbursement starting July 31. He offered no further details.

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/us-world/us/article/Congressman-says-reimbursement-to-San-Antonio-and-14108875.php