FEMA in the News
Earlier this week, FEMA Administrator Brock Long visited FEMA's Region 10 office to engage with regional and Mobile Emergency Response Support staff, visit the Washington Joint Field Office, and meet with state directors to share ideas and identify opportunities for improvement.
On Wednesday, Administrator Long had the opportunity to meet with the leadership from the International Association of Emergency Managers, one of FEMA’s long-standing partners, to discuss their ideas and priorities and to identify ways to continue to work together to improve emergency management across all levels.
Yesterday, Administrator Long kicked off the first of seven discovery sessions with FEMA employees and the agency's external stakeholders and partners. These sessions will begin a new cycle of inclusive listening for FEMA leadership, and will be key to developing a collective strategic plan.
National Coverage ...
On Wednesday, NOAA updated its prediction for a strong hurricane season as the season is reaching peak activity. “As we enter the height of hurricane season, it’s important for everyone to know who issues evacuation orders in their community, heed the warnings, update their insurance and have a preparedness plan,” said Administrator Long.
Around the Nation ...
In Texas, Laredo Morning Times highlighted U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar’s announcement of FEMA awarding the Laredo Fire Department with nearly $3.3 million in federal funding to hire 24 cadets for three years. The 24 new positions that will be paid for through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant will help reduce overtime spending.
Also in Texas, the Victoria Advocate reported FEMA awarded Victoria County a $200,000 grant for first responders to help rural communities faster in the event of an emergency. Assisting places such as Placedo and Bloomington, the federal funds are set to cover costs for new street signs, allowing first responders to locate residences more easily.
In Colorado, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported that FEMA has awarded $5.9 million to the city for Colorado Springs residents who were affected by a 2015 landslide. The money will be used to acquire houses demolished or severely damaged by the rain-triggered landslide.
In California, the Sacramento Bee reported the agency has agreed to reimburse $22.8 million of California’s estimated $500 million Oroville Dam repair bill. FEMA spokesperson Victor Inge said the federal government's reimbursement is to cover some costs associated with the emergency, as well as for removing the massive pile of debris that washed down from the spillway and plugged the Feather River channel below the dam.
In Puerto Rico, the La Perla del Sur (in Spanish) reported that FEMA has awarded $2.1 million to the Salinas Aquifer to mitigate the contamination of the water by minerals and nitrates. The money will be used to improve and maintain the quality of water during severe droughts.
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