NEW ORLEANS – FEMA announced last week that the temporary housing program for victims of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which was to end March 2010, has been extended until March 1, 2011.

“This extension will allow remaining survivors still living in FEMA-provided housing more time to complete the successful transition into permanent housing,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Tony Russell.

“We are making every effort to support the state of Louisiana by assisting individuals and families as they determine long term housing solutions to fulfill their needs.”

The extension was requested by Gov. Bobby Jindal.

In response to Ike and Gustav, 639 temporary housing units –mobile homes and travel trailers – were provided to Louisiana residents. Roughly 450 units still remain in use.

Under FEMA policy, extensions in temporary housing assistance beyond 18 months may include the collection of rent from those survivors still residing in temporary housing units. No rent will be collected before the beginning of the extension period. Any rent that is collected will be based on a combination of factors, including the financial ability of each household as determined on a case by case basis, and will not exceed the community based fair market rental rates as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

FEMA officials pledged to work closely with the state in the coming weeks “to determine how best to implement this extension in a way that meets the shared goal of helping survivors move into safe, permanent housing solutions, including determining the details and timetable of rent collection.”