Representative Mica calls on President Bush for Storm Damage Assistance

U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (FL-07) today called on the Bush Administration to expedite a federal declaration that would make individual homeowners eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs.

“I have asked President Bush, Office of Management and Budget Director Jim Nussle and FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison to expedite a federal declaration that would aid numerous uninsured homeowners who remain ineligible for FEMA financial aid, Mica said.  ”I was pleased that the Bush Administration acted quickly to assist with a public federal damage declaration.  However, we cannot leave individual homeowners without similar support.”

Mica said in conversations with State emergency management officials and local community leaders, it appears that more than the necessary number of homeowners should make the State and Central Florida communities eligible for a federal individual assistance declaration.  Under a federal individual emergency declaration, homeowners would be eligible for FEMA programs including loan assistance.

Congressman Mica plans to meet tomorrow with Federal officials, including FEMA Administrator Paulison and Florida Division of Emergency Management Director W. Craig Fugate who will brief him and local officials on the status of the clean up and emergency operations in Central Florida.  That meeting is scheduled for 2:50 pm at the Florida Logistics Center in Orlando.

Congressman Mica has invited State Emergency Director Fugate to meet with local officials on August 26th, at 5:30 pm at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, Community Room, 1055 Saxon Boulevard, Orange City.  That meeting will review current State, local and federal efforts to deal with the storm damage. 

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