Katrina relief finally makes it to La.

NEW ORLEANS, June 18 (UPI) -- Millions of dollars in diverted hurricane relief supplies are finally going to be sent back to Louisiana for distribution.

FEMA gave away $85 million worth of hurricane relief supplies as federal surplus even though non-profit agencies were still seeking the aid for resettled victims of Katrina. Now at least a portion will be returned to the intended recipients, CNN reported Wednesday.

"Today we can report that we have been notified that some of the surplus property has been located in Texas and will be coming to the state of Louisiana for distribution by Unity New Orleans," said Paul Rainwater, the executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority.

FEMA administrator David Paulison defended his agency, suggesting that Louisiana officials had declined some of the goods when originally offered.

"Moving forward, we have made it clear that I am to be the point of contact for FEMA when supplies for Katrina and Rita victims are set aside for our state," he said. "We will also be informing non-profits about how to access such supplies, so that we can all better serve our citizens who are struggling to rebuild their lives."