[StBernard] Hurricane homes pleasing but illegal

[Westley Annis]

Hurricane homes pleasing but illegal
CHALMETTE, La., March 23 (UPI) -- While Katrina Cottage II is seen as a
cheaper, safer and more permanent alternative to trailers for hurricane
victims, it is prohibited by current law. 

The cottage, designed for Katrina victims in Mississippi, was showcased in
Chalmette, La., and got some early rave reviews from storm victims. It
sleeps four and can be expanded into a full-size permanent home. 

The roughly 400- to 750-square-foot cottages reportedly can be set up in
days for less than $60,000, compared to the 23- to 28-square-foot temporary
trailers that the Federal Emergency Management Agency spends about $75,000
to deliver and install, the Baton Rouge Advocate said. 

However, the structures are not legal under the 1974 Stafford Act -- which
governs the disaster assistance FEMA offers and prevents the agency from
spending money on permanent residential construction. 

Flood victims and the Mississippi governor's office are among those lobbying
FEMA to replace temporary travel trailers with Katrina Cottages.



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