Letter Calls on FEMA to Fulfill Commitments for Disaster Recovery
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate urging him to continue funding Iowa disaster recovery projects, after reports of funds being frozen and redirected to Hurricane Irene recovery.
"Iowa communities are still recovering from the 2008 flooding and tornadoes," said Rep. Braley. "FEMA has committed to help these communities rebuild through offers of funds, and it is irresponsible to redirect those funds or stop work on projects. Iowans should be able to trust FEMA's word, and that means FEMA needs to fulfill its commitments to the state."
The FEMA Disaster Relief Fund is strained from responding to numerous disasters this year, and projects from Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 Iowa floods continue to receive disaster recovery funds. News reports have indicated that FEMA could require an additional $5.2 billion to cover costs for past disaster recovery funding efforts and for the remainder of FY2012.
A copy of the letter is pasted below and available here: http://go.usa.gov/0Ps
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Dear Administrator Fugate,
I appreciate your agency's efforts in responding to recent disasters in a timely manner. I'm writing today with concerns over media reports in the wake of Hurricane Irene that funds obligated for past disaster recovery efforts are being delayed or repurposed to respond to this latest disaster.
I have great sympathy for the residents and communities on the East Coast who have been affected by Hurricane Irene and I am committed in my role as a U.S. Representative to ensuring that FEMA has the resources necessary to respond to all disasters. At the same time, disaster recovery efforts are still under way in Iowa and the Midwest following devastating flooding and tornadoes in 2008. FEMA has spent several years approving projects and providing funding support for disaster recovery efforts and we have seen numerous delays as part of the bureaucratic process and from funding shortfalls.
In light of the media reports, Iowans deserve an accounting and explanation of how FEMA is using funds committed to Iowa disaster recovery efforts to respond to this current disaster. Specifically, please provide a detailed accounting of any funds committed or intended for Iowa which are now frozen, or being used for Irene recovery.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you within the next 10 business days.
Sincerely,
Bruce Braley
Member of Congress
Office of Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01)
1727 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(P) 202.225.2911
(F) 202.225.6666
