Mica Urges FEMA To Provide Surplus Mobile Homes For Tornado Victims

Mica Urges FEMA To Provide Surplus Mobile Homes For Tornado Victims

U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-7th District) today urged the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance to Central and Northeast Florida following tornadoes that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes.

"After being informed that FEMA has turned down our State's request for assistance, I have asked FEMA's Director, David Paulison, to consider making surplus mobile homes temporarily available to those who have lost or sustained damage to their homes," Rep. Mica stated.
Last Friday, January 26th, FEMA denied a request submitted by then-Governor Jeb Bush which asked for federal assistance following the Christmas Day tornadoes. Governor Crist immediately appealed FEMA's decision, and Rep. Mica received a briefing from Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate late this afternoon.

While most damage at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and other locations will be covered by insurance, many residents living in mobile home communities and other neighborhoods did not have coverage and are now homeless.

In his discussion with FEMA Director Paulison, Rep. Mica expressed his serious concern about several hundred residents who have lost or sustained damage to their homes, and asked that FEMA locate surplus mobile homes that have been left with the State following the past several natural disasters.

"We are hopeful that up between 50-70 mobile homes, currently sitting unused, will be made available to those who are most in need," said Rep. Mica..

Rep. Mica is the Republican leader on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight on FEMA.

http://www.house.gov/mica/pr07FEMA.htm