FEMA wants money back that was paid twice

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, October 4, 2005

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – The federal government is asking more than 7,600 Floridians in 60 counties to return $30.3 million in emergency hurricane aid dispensed last year when a record four hurricanes slammed the state.

Most of the payments the Federal Emergency Management Agency wants back are because of insurance settlements reached after the government aid had been doled out. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance coverage, spokesman Jim Homstad said.

The measure will mostly affect St. Lucie County, which was battered by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004. Residents there are being asked to return $3.7 million. In Palm Beach County, FEMA is seeking nearly $3.4 million.

In a small number of cases, FEMA wants to recoup money because of processing errors or duplicate approval of funds, Homstad said.