The Times Record June 21, 2013 Edition West gets less The Federal Emergency Management Agency has decided that West, Texas, does not deserve major disaster aid. In a June 10 letter to Gov. Rick Perry, FEMA said it reviewed the state’s appeal for help but decided the explosion “is not of the severity and magnitude that warrants a major disaster declaration.” Even though we believe FEMA ought to reconsider, the fact remains that the explosion and subsequent loss of life, albeit devastating, is not on a par with Hurricanes Katrina, Ike or, more recently, Sandy. And it’s not as if West were shut out. FEMA said Texas will get about $16.6 million under the emergency declaration Obama signed two days after the April 17 blast. FEMA and the Small Business Administration also have provided more than $7 million in grants and low-interest loans, and is paying 75 percent of debris removal costs. The people of West need all the help they can get, and that’s why we’re pleased that Texas officials are appealing FEMA’s decision. If FEMA does not reconsider, we would hope the president exercises his authority to override. — Houston Chronicle
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 03:38:25 +0000
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