Feds: Disaster aid hinges on fast, smart local decisions

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Federal officials advised Iowa leaders today that disaster aid may hinge on communities' ability to maintain reasonable expectations in seeking federal grants, act quickly and work closely together.

Otherwise, they will waste limited resources and could be shut out of assistance, federal officials told members of the Rebuild Iowa Housing Task Force today

“You have to come together and show integrity in how you’re asking for resources, said Steve Castaner, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Long Term Community Recovery program.

Castaner told the task force that one community he worked with in Louisiana identified $64 billion worth of needs. The overwhelming plan was so big that it was viewed as unreasonable and the community ultimately got “zilch,” Castaner said.


http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080728/NEWS/80728014&theme=FLOODING

Now I hope Iowan's could learn from the mistakes of others and don't RUSH into making the same errors..

[Debi]

1. Seems that Culver and Iowan communities are being as detailed as possible

in their requests for assistance:

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/07/25/news/politics/10494581.txt

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The latest Federal Emergency Management Agency damage estimate is $10 billion, which includes public infrastructure damage and housing needs around Iowa. Around 32,000 residents have registered with FEMA, and that number is expected to rise.

Culver said housing was his "most pressing concern," especially since the FEMA trailer mold debacle. A new Rebuild Iowa Office and Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission, led by Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, opened for business Wednesday to address issues of housing.

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But how much the state has to kick in and how much the United States gives out is entirely dependent on how much damage Iowa residents claim in FEMA assistance. Right now, Iowans have claimed approximately $500 million in eligible damage, which includes public infrastructure and uninsured housing.

Culver said that amount is "likely to rise," and if it does, it could mean the difference between the federal government picking up 75 percent of the flood damage tab and 90 percent. It was unknown what the specific dollar amount to achieve that threshold was.

The governor has asked for an immediate waiver to reach 90 percent of federal dollars, with the state picking up 10 percent of the cost, ahead of a final damage count. FEMA has yet to respond.

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