Release Date: July 27, 2000
Release Number: HQ-00-104b
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![]() ![]() ![]() Photo of FEMA and staff members from the New Mexico congressional delegation. |
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and staff members from the New Mexico congressional delegation met in Washington today with local community and tribal officials to discuss the work being done to implement the Cerro Grande Fire Assistance Act. President Clinton signed the Act on July 13 and FEMA is working on publishing interim final regulations within 45 days to establish a quick and customer-friendly claims process.
"Working with community and tribal leaders helps ensure those impacted by the Cerro Grande Fire will better understand how to file claims," said FEMA Director James L. Witt "As the claims process and regulations are developed, we also must have an understanding of what is important to the communities and how best to go about meeting their needs."
FEMA officials and staff from the congressional offices of Senators Domenici and Bingaman, and Representative Udall, met to gain input and gather comments from community leaders regarding FEMA's implementation of the new regulations. Officials representing areas affected by the Cerro Grande Fire included individuals from Los Alamos County, Sandoval County, Santa Fe County, and Santa Clara Pueblo. Also participating in the meeting was the chief of staff from Governor Johnson's office.
"Today's meeting was the first step in a new outreach effort," said Witt. " I hope those who came to Washington will carry what they learned about the new compensation program back home and share it."
Topics discussed included the following:
The status of FEMA's work regarding the Fire Assistance Act
Who is eligible to apply for compensation?
What should those with insurance policies do?
How long is the claims process going to take?
Last Modified: Monday, 29-Dec-2003 12:23:20