[StBernard] Success! FEMA agrees to move crucial projects in Flood Zone forward

[Westley Annis]

Dear  Friend,


	

As you know, I blocked the confirmation of Craig Fugate, President Obama's
nominee to be FEMA administrator, until FEMA provided me with written
commitment to work toward a reasonable  resolution on the high -risk flood
zone issue that has hampered our hurricane recovery in many coastal
communities. Today I have good news that resulted from these efforts.

	

Less than a month after that written commitment, I  have received
confirmation from FEMA that the vast majority V-Zone projects  that were on
hold for months and, in some cases years, will be able to move  forward and
start construction. 

	

Almost four years have passed since hurricanes Rita and Katrina, and  south
Louisiana communities in Cameron, Lafourche and Plaquemines Parishes  are
still waiting on answers from FEMA regarding whether rebuilding can  take
place in these communities. Now projects ranging from a library in Grand
Isle to the South Cameron High School and vital first responder buildings
like  fire stations in coastal communities can be rebuilt. 

	

After months of   non-response, I am extremely pleased with this news.  It
is a huge step  forward in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in our
coastal communities.

	

We've already seen  enough problems with FEMA since Katrina and Rtia, and I
hope this decision is  the beginning of FEMA finally working hand in hand
with local officials and  residents to move forward with our ongoing
recovery efforts.  Rest assured  that I will continue to fight for Louisiana
every step of the way.  



Sincerely,
David Vitter
U.S.  Senator