FEMA Chief Brock Long Resigns

FEMA disaster aid distribution

President Trump’s top disaster relief official, who had come under fire for his unauthorized use of government vehicles, said Wednesday he is resigning from his post. Brock Long, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told senior staff at the agency on Tuesday that he planned to step down in two weeks for family… Continue reading FEMA Chief Brock Long Resigns

Trump Signs National Flood Insurance Program Extension Bill

Homeowners in flood-prone areas will continue to receive coverage after President Donald Trump signed the National Flood Insurance Program extension bill on Saturday. The House and Senate voted favorably on the bipartisan measure Friday, extending the program for five million recipients through May 31, 2019. The program, saddled with about $20 billion of debt, was… Continue reading Trump Signs National Flood Insurance Program Extension Bill

Flood Insurance Program Extended at Least Another Week: Long-Term Deal Remains Far Off

Congress pushed back its deadline to deal with the National Flood Insurance Program by at least a week, passing yet another short-term extension of the program late Thursday. A deadline to avoid a lapse in the federal program, which underwrites most flood insurance coverage in the country and covers a half-million Louisiana homes, had been… Continue reading Flood Insurance Program Extended at Least Another Week: Long-Term Deal Remains Far Off

Flood Policy Standoff Tests Democrats’ Promise of Climate Action

A Congressional deadlock over flood insurance highlights the difficulty of enacting the type of reforms urged last week in a U.S. government report on climate change — even for Democrats, who embraced the report’s findings. The heavily indebted National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, is scheduled to expire… Continue reading Flood Policy Standoff Tests Democrats’ Promise of Climate Action

FEMA Spends Billions in ‘Cycle’ of Damage and Repair As Storms Keep Coming

Hurricane Harvey Impacts

In the exact spot where Hurricane Katrina demolished the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center, a new $105 million jail now hovers 19 feet above the marsh, perched atop towering concrete pillars. Described by a state official as the “Taj Mahal” of Louisiana corrections, it has so much space that one of every 27 parish residents could… Continue reading FEMA Spends Billions in ‘Cycle’ of Damage and Repair As Storms Keep Coming

Hurricane Florence’s Force Is Still Felt in North Carolina Weeks Later

Wagram, North Carolina, United States/September 18, 2018: Flood waters backing up on a bridge just south of Raeford North Carolina after Hurricane Florence

Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Florence made landfall on the North Carolina coast, some students are only just returning to school Thursday. Though floodwaters have largely receded, the storm’s effects are still being felt in nearly every aspect of life in eastern North Carolina. School is still out in much of the eastern part of… Continue reading Hurricane Florence’s Force Is Still Felt in North Carolina Weeks Later

FEMA Chief Brock Long’s Unauthorized Travel Cost Government $151,000, Inspector General Report Shows

President Trump’s top disaster official cost the government $151,000 through the unauthorized use of government vehicles that included travel to his home in North Carolina, according to an internal investigation. Brock Long, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also relied on government vehicles and employees to drive him and his family around Hawaii… Continue reading FEMA Chief Brock Long’s Unauthorized Travel Cost Government $151,000, Inspector General Report Shows

FEMA Chief to Reimburse Cost of Improperly Using Government Vehicles

FEMA disaster aid distribution

President Trump’s top disaster official agreed to repay the government for the improper use of federal vehicles and received a show of support from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. “Corrective actions” are being taken, Ms. Nielsen said Friday. She said she had ordered Brock Long, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to… Continue reading FEMA Chief to Reimburse Cost of Improperly Using Government Vehicles

Frequent Flooders Drain Federal Insurance Program

People leaving flood-prone areas

Payouts for properties that flood repeatedly have been a sticking point in congressional talks on a revamped flood insurance program, which may come up for a House vote this month. Such properties have been a huge drain on the financially troubled program, with some 750 properties costing the National Flood Insurance Program roughly $800 million… Continue reading Frequent Flooders Drain Federal Insurance Program