Posted: 12/24/07
Lawmakers urge FEMA to cut red tape for flood disaster aid
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Norm Coleman, along with First District Congressman Tim Walz, urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive a paperwork requirement that could otherwise cause serious delays in the delivery of much-needed flood disaster assistance to southeastern Minnesota.
In a letter presented to FEMA's Administrator R. David Paulison last week, Klobuchar, Coleman and Walz asked for a waiver of the federal requirement that local communities must first submit a "local hazard mitigation plan" before receiving funds under the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Five of the flood-damaged counties in southeastern Minnesota do not have approved plans. The counties affected are: Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted and Wabasha.
Houston County is in the process of creating a mitigation plan with Fillmore County. However, creating a plan is detailed and time-consuming, with estimates that it can take up to a year for preparation, submission and approval.
A number of Houston and Fillmore county business owners, affected by the August floods, have publicly expressed disappointment in the program, and exasperation when they learned how long it could take before they could receive relief promised by the federal government.
"Communities, businesses and families need flood relief right now, not a year from now," said Klobuchar. "FEMA's regional administrator has the authority to cut the red tape, and that's what we're asking him to do.
Federal paperwork should not be allowed to delay the real work of recovery and rebuilding from this disaster."
"We simply cannot allow government bureaucracy to stand in the way of helping those who need it most," said Coleman. "I've seen firsthand the devastation this flood caused in these communities and these grants will help prevent future disasters from ravaging these communities again."
"By insisting that these plans be filed before they release federal funds, FEMA officials are preventing communities from cleaning up and moving on," said Congressman Tim Walz. "I hope that FEMA will recognize the common sense solution to this situation, which is to provide both mitigation funds and technical support so these counties can simultaneously clean up and complete the required paperwork."
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to state and local governments following a major disaster declaration. These funds may be used for projects that will reduce or eliminate losses from future disasters. Funds may be used for flood-control projects to protect either public or private property. Funds may also be used to purchase property that has already suffered damage or is at risk of further flood damage.
To be eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, local governments must first have submitted "local hazard mitigation plans" to FEMA before federal funds will be distributed. However, FEMA is permitted to grant a waiver so a community can apply for the disaster funding, as long as a FEMA-approved plan is completed within one year.
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