RIVER RIDGE, La., Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A Louisiana motorcycle shop has landed a $108 million contract with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make trailers for Hurricane Katrina victims.
Bourget's of the South, known for selling custom bikes, is owned by the father and uncle of state Rep. Gary Smith, and got the no-bid contract before it was even licensed to sell trailers, The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
The company, based in River Ridge, La., will also build "manufactured housing" in Alabama.
FEMA and state officials didn't respond to questions regarding the deal.
Steve Bordelon, owner of Steve's RV Center -- was located in Meraux before Katrina swept through -- questioned why the government would contract with a motorcycle maker with no homebuilding experience.
David Bacala, sales manager at Steve's RV Center, said FEMA hasn't even returned his phone calls regarding contracts. He called the Bourget's deal a "political payback."
The company is being investigated by the Louisiana Recreational and Used Motor Vehicle Commission after complaints were lodged by two other RV dealers.
Bourget's owners said they didn't do anything wrong and aren't being rewarded because they are related to a politician.
