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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The state has informed evacuees from last season's Gulf Coast hurricanes they need to re-negotiate their housing leases because the state will no longer carry after May 31, officials said Thursday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently informed the state that after the end of the month it would no longer reimburse Utah for additional costs incurred under the transitional housing program.
"The responsibility for the lease now turns over to the individual," said Derek Jensen, spokesman for the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Letters went out to residents and their landlords last Friday and Monday informing them of the change, he said.
About 150 housing units and around 300 people are affected, Jensen said.
FEMA has contracted with a national company, Corporate Lodging Consultants, to continue paying rent for eligible evacuees whose lease hasn't expired as of May 31. Further assistance is available to evacuees through Housing and Urban Development's disaster voucher program and other housing programs in Utah, according to the Department of Public Safety.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
