February 2, 2009

New Orleans Mayor Nagin Leads Effort

to Reform FEMA, Stafford Act

USCM Executive Committee Approves Initiative

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin made a presentation January 18 during the U.S. Conference of Mayors 77th Annual Winter Meeting before the Executive Committee, asking that USCM develop a task force and resolution to make recommendations to the new FEMA leadership and the Obama Administration on reforming the Stafford Act and FEMA.

"Although we cannot predict nor prevent disasters, local leaders have gained valuable experience on the frontlines of disaster response and recovery in New Orleans, Galveston, Miami and other cities across this country. This knowledge can assist the federal government in effectively restructuring and reforming FEMA and the Stafford Act," said Nagin.

Before Nagin could finish his formal presentation, mayors began to applaud the idea and tell story after story of slow, unorganized and often contradictory responses from the federal government in response to emergencies in their own cities.

Once approved, the task force will tackle issues such as flood protection and coastal restoration, housing rehabilitation and strategies to speed up funding following a disaster.

"I believe that just as USCM has formed a coalition to address the economic recovery of our nation, that we should also be on the forefront as mayors for an improved and efficient federal emergency response and disaster recovery plan to protect our families and rebuild our cities when faced with disasters," said Nagin.