City facing disaster loan payback

D’IBERVILLE — The city’s success since Hurricane Katrina could mean D’Iberville will have to repay all or part of a $1.6-million federal disaster loan.

City Manager Michael Janus told the Council March 2 that the loan may not be forgiven because the city has seen revenue climb since Hurricane Katrina.

Loans totaling more than $1.2 billion were provided by FEMA to local governments after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Communities that have insufficient revenue to meet their operating budgets could have their loans forgiven. D’Iberville’s revenue was boosted by the opening of new shopping centers.

Janus tells The Sun Herald would work with FEMA to try to get at least partial forgiveness for the city.