Scalise Bill to Improve FEMA Disaster Recovery

Scalise recently introduced the Disaster Recovery Improvement Act (HR 3453)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise recently introduced legislation to reform the disaster recovery process and the federal government’s role.

At a press conference, Scalise will be joined by Paul Rainwater, Director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, Ana Zorrilla, the Chief Executive Officer for the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Ben Frank, Executive Vice President for East Jefferson General Hospital. The participants shared insight into how Scalise’s legislation will improve the work they do.

“With the four –year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaching, it is important that we continue working to correct the mistakes of the past and reform the recovery process for Katrina-related items, as well as future storms.” Scalise said. “Our region has far too much first-hand experience with FEMA’s red tape and bureaucracy, and this legislation will break some of those log jams to speed up the recovery process. We also address problems that will improve evacuations in the future, including access to shelters for pet owners.”

A summary of Congressman Scalise’s bill is below.

CONGRESSMAN SCALISE’S BILL
H.R. 3453: DISASTER RECOVERY IMPROVEMENT ACT

•    Debris Removal: increased cost share – cost share is increased by 5% for State/local governments that have a debris management plan approved by FEMA, and have prequalified two or more debris removal contractors.

•    Individual Assistance: not later than six months after enactment, FEMA shall review and update the factors considered to determine the amount of Individual Assistance available for individuals affected by a disaster.

•    Emergency Assistance: FEMA is authorized to provide assistance for the rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs to individuals with pets and service animals, and to those pets and animals.

•    Hazard Mitigation (HM): if a State has building code and is enforcing it, HM assistance can be increased by 5% of the estimated aggregate amounts of grants to be made.

•    Public Assistance (PA): FEMA shall provide not less than 50% of FEMA estimate as initial payment for PA projects.
o    Payments shall be made no later than 60 days after estimate and not later than 90 days after entity applies.

•    Appeals Process: speed up the timing – FEMA will have 60 days (currently they have 90, while applicants only have 60) to respond to Project Worksheet appeals.

•    Appeals Process: PW denials – FEMA shall issue rules regarding what information has to be included in a denied PW.
o    Information shall include reasons for denials, specific items that are disputed, and description of info that applicant needs to provide.

•    Debris Removal: recycling – Grant recipient can use debris removal funds to recycle debris.
o    Recipients can retain any value attained by recycling. Under current plan locals have to reimburse those funds, which discourages recycling.