LHFA appeals to LIHTC developers

The Louisiana Housing Finance Agency has posted the following:

A special note for Section 42 Properties

In an effort to provide disaster relief assistance to persons displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina, the Agency requests that developers of Section 42 projects that are placed-in-service, advise the Agency via e-mail at complianceinfo@lhfa.state.la.us, of units available by unit type.

The Agency has requested the appropriate waivers from the Internal Revenue Service to facilitate housing for those displaced. Additionally, Staff is coordinating with FEMA to refer low-income individuals and families to these developments.

Once the Agency receives the waiver from the Department of Treasury (IRS), all developers will be notified.

Please do not move forward with housing any displaced persons without the written consent of the Agency.

Thank you for giving this matter your immediate attention.

In other news:

- The Senate is to convene late tonight to consider an emergency relief bill.
[UPDATE late 9-1: The Senate approved $10.5 billion. The House takes up the bill tomorrow, apparently at 1 p.m.]

- The New Orleans Times Picayune newspaper online edition has forums available to discuss damage and missing persons by neighborhood, and for supporters elsewhere to offer housing.
[UPDATE late 9-1: The Grow-a-Brain real estate blog notes people are using the Craigslist lost and found to look for friends and relatives. Some folks seem to have posted housing offers there too.]

- Houston apartment owners and real estate businesses are scrambling to house refugees.