Alabama needs more money for Katrina recovery, state official says

MOBILE | A state official says Hurricane Katrina recovery in Alabama requires another $100 million from the federal government to replace damaged or destroyed housing.

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Bill Johnson gave that estimate Thursday to the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Since the 2005 hurricane, Alabama has received about $95.6 million. But Johnson says more than three-quarters of it remains unspent due to the time needed to comply with federal regulations.

The congressional hearing is now in its second day.