Public Law 89–339

That the Congress

Southeast Hurricane Disaster Relief Act of 1965.

hereby recognizes that the States of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi suffered extensive property loss and damage as a result of Hurricane Betsy in 1965 (including, but not limited to, loss and damage from flood, high waters, and wind-driven waters caused by such hurricane) and that there is a need for special measures designed to aid and accelerate these States in their efforts to provide for the reconstruction of highways and public works projects, and to otherwise rehabilitate these devastated areas.

Sec. 2.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, trailers provided

Trailers, sole.

as a result of Hurricane Betsy as temporary housing under clause (d) of section 3 of the Act entitled “An Act to authorize Federal assistance to States and local governments in major disasters, and for other purposes”, approved September 30, 1950, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1855b), may be sold directly to the persons who are the occupants

64 Stat. 1110; 55 Stat. 173.

thereof at prices that are fair and equitable.

Sec. 3.

In the administration of the disaster loan program under

Small business disaster loans.

section 7(b) (1) of the Small Business Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. 636(b)), in the case of property loss or damage in the States of Florida,

72 Stat. 389.

Ante, p. 206.

Louisiana, and Mississippi resulting from Hurricane Betsy, the Small Business Administration, to the extent such loss or damage is not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, (1) shall at the borrower’s option on that part of any loan in excess of $500, (A) cancel up to $1,800 of the loan, or (B) waive interest due on the loan in a total amount of not. more than $1,800 over a period not to exceed three years; and (2) may lend to a privately owned school, college, or university without regard to whether the required financial assistance is otherwise available from private sources, and may waive interest payments and defer principal payments on such a loan for the first three years of the term of the loan.

Sec. 4.

In the administration of the emergency loan program under

Farmers emergency loan program.

75 Stat. 311.

subtitle C of the Consolidated Farmers Home Administration Act of 1961, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1961–67), in the case of property loss or damage in the States of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, resulting from Hood, high waters, or wind-driven water or uninsurable crop loss, caused by Hurricane Betsy, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, to the extent such loss or damage is not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, at the borrower’s option on that part of any loan in excess of $500, (1) cancel up to $1,800 of the loan, or (2) waive interest due on the loan in a total amount of not more than $1,800 over a period not to exceed three years without, regard to whether the required financial assistance is otherwise available from private sources.

Sec. 5.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall

Alternative financial assistance programs, study.

Ante, p. 667.

Reports to President and Congress.

undertake an immediate study of alternative programs which could be established to help provide financial assistance to those suffering property losses in flood and other natural disasters, including alternative methods of Federal disaster insurance, as well as the existing flood insurance program, and shall report, his findings and recommendations to the President for submission to the Congress not later than nine months after the appropriation of funds for this study, except, that the findings and recommendations on earthquake insurance shall be reported to the President for submission to the Congress not later than three years after the appropriation of funds for this study.

Sec. 6.

There is hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $70,000,000 to carry out this Act, and such sums shall remain available until expended.

Sec. 7.

This Act, other than sections 5 and G, shall not be in effect, after January 1, 1967, except with respect to payment of expenditures for obligations and commitments entered into under this Act on or before such date.

Sec. 8.

This Act may be cited as the “Southeast Hurricane Disaster Belief Act of 1965”.