For decades, HORNE LLP has stood as a trusted partner[1] to communities recovering from some of the most devastating natural disasters in our nation’s history. From rebuilding homes and infrastructure to restoring hope, HORNE’s track record has been defined by professionalism, integrity, and results.
HORNE came to national prominence after its work in Mississippi helping the Gulf Coast recover after Hurricane Katrina. The firm earned praised for its ability to work with states, local municipalities, and contractors. Since then, HORNE has built a reputation as a trusted partner, helping rebuild communities after devastating natural disasters.
Recently, however, competing firms and careless reporting attempted to tarnish HORNE’s reputation. In a Sept. 3 article in The Atlantic, the firm was falsely accused of being “barred” from government contracts in West Virginia for alleged misconduct. That reporting has since been forcefully challenged, with HORNE’s counsel demanding a full retraction and correction. The facts are now clear: HORNE was never barred from contracting in West Virginia, or anywhere else.
As outlined in HORNE’s response to The Atlantic, West Virginia initiated debarment proceedings in July based solely on a press release. That release, issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in West Virginia, announced a settlement with HORNE.
In a letter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, John Huber — a former U.S. Attorney now representing HORNE — stated: “The press release misleadingly reports on this matter as if it were a criminal fraud case where even the most cursory reading of the settlement agreement demonstrates that this is a disagreement in how contracts were to be carried out.”
After subsequent meetings with West Virginia officials, the proceedings were withdrawn by Aug. 7. On Sept. 4, the state confirmed the withdrawal was permanent, and the notice would not be reinstated.
In other words, HORNE was vindicated. No findings of wrongdoing, no restrictions, and no barriers to continuing the essential recovery work it delivers across the country.
The attempted smear was not only misleading but also damaging to the countless families and communities who depend on HORNE’s proven ability to deliver critical services quickly and effectively. As HORNE’s counsel noted, reporting that ignores the facts risks undermining disaster recovery efforts at a time when communities need experienced partners the most.
Despite these false attacks, HORNE’s work continues uninterrupted. From Florida to Maui and Puerto Rico to Texas and many communities in between, HORNE is on the ground helping families rebuild their lives after hurricanes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters. Independent reviews and government partners have consistently validated HORNE’s performance, noting that programs are frequently completed ahead of schedule, under budget, and in full compliance. HORNE prides itself on delivering recovery programs with compassion and care.
HORNE’s leadership in disaster recovery was evident following Hurricane Helene, with programs in Lee County, Florida, and North Carolina recognized among the first in the nation to launch housing recovery programs and complete the first homes. Consistently, HORNE is selected for its proven ability to mobilize quickly and deliver results faster than competitors — an achievement rooted in its strong reputation and prior success throughout the nation.
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, HORNE has helped reshape how America recovers from natural disasters. Through proprietary processes based on accounting principles, transparency, and expediency, HORNE continues to raise the bar on how communities fully utilize CDBG-DR funds to rebuild their communities.
Despite attempts by competitors to undermine its reputation through mischaracterizations and falsehoods, the facts speak for themselves: HORNE has been fully vindicated, and its longstanding legacy of trusted service not only endures but continues to thrive.
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References
- ^ trusted partner (floridapolitics.com)