Braley talked today with FEMA Administrator Fugate on outstanding flood recovery issues
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) spoke with Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate about ongoing flood recovery issues still affecting Cedar Rapids years after the 2008 floods. The call focused on FEMA's indecision in providing promised support for several flood recovery projects - indecision that could cost the city and taxpayers millions of dollars in lost funding for projects that were initially approved by FEMA but were later cut after work had started.
Braley also pressed Fugate on FEMA's inaction in processing several project funding appeals filed by the city of Cedar Rapids - which the city has been waiting for answers on for nearly a year.
"I had a productive conversation with Administrator Fugate today. I made clear he was aware that Congressman Loebsack and I had discussed this issue with President Obama on Air Force One two weeks ago, and he assured me that FEMA is getting close to making final decisions on these critical flood recovery projects. Without making any specific commitments, Administrator Fugate painted an encouraging picture for the city of Cedar Rapids.
"I'm cautiously optimistic. Good news is long overdue, especially considering that four years after this disaster Cedar Rapids is still waiting for answers. I'll continue working as long as it takes to make sure FEMA keeps their promises."
Braley inquired about FEMA decisions regarding debris removal at the Sinclair site and repairs to the city's Water Pollution Control facility. Both sites initially received funding commitments from FEMA only to have the funding de-obligated after recovery work had begun. Braley also raised concerns over outstanding program appeals the city had submitted close to a year before.
Braley's efforts follow the long work of Cedar Rapids city officials in engaging FEMA officials with their concerns. Braley wrote letters to FEMA Administrator Fugate in November and December of last year pressing for answers on these issues, and spoke to President Obama with Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) regarding the issues on Air Force One in late January after the State of the Union.
