Vitter Comments on FEMA Nominee Hold

Statement

Vitter Comments on FEMA Nominee Hold

U.S. Sen. David Vitter today issued the following statement regarding his hold on the nomination of Craig Fugate as Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"I am maintaining my hold on the FEMA nominee until I get answers to my specific requests - requests that I have had before the acting FEMA administrator for more than 60 days," said Vitter. "Aside from the V-Zone issue, my specific project requests related to Grand Isle are critical to that community's continued existence."

Vitter has expressed concern as to why FEMA is holding up recovery and rebuilding programs in South Louisiana by failing to release an official decision regarding V-Zones. FEMA's current policy is stifling recovery projects in V-Zones because the agency is using preliminary flood maps that have not been fully approved to make their decisions.

He has also been pushing FEMA for a commitment on projects related to Grand Isle, La. Vitter held a previous meeting with the acting FEMA Administrator about this very issue and was promised an answer. That meeting took place more than 60 days ago and Vitter has yet to receive an answer. Specifically, Vitter is pursuing an answer related to the rebuilding of community and municipal buildings that are critical to Grand Isle's recovery.

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