April 28, 2009


MEMORANDUM FOR:	Nancy Ward
      Acting Administrator

FROM:			G. Kemble Bennett
      Chairman 
      National Advisory Council 

SUBJECT: 	Recommendation on FEMA review and support for Disaster Housing legislation


In accordance with the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PL 109-295), the council continues to review and provide input on the National Disaster Housing Strategy documents and program.  In August 2008, the National Advisory Council (NAC) submitted formal guidance to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the draft National Disaster Housing Strategy.  In December 2008, the council provided input regarding the services associated with post disaster housing (wrap around services).  At its meeting held on April 15-16, 2009 in Washington, DC, the NAC discussed and approved the following recommendation to FEMA. 

The NAC’s Post Disaster Housing Subcommittee continues to have dialogue and provide feedback to FEMA staff, and looks forward to working with the National Disaster Housing Task Force.

Recommendation:

To date, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) continues to have authority and funding issues with regard to their temporary and long term housing missions.  The council understands that an interim solution is being sought in the form of a blanket authority agreement (Disaster Housing Assistance Program), which it supports.

The council recommends that the FEMA Administrator review legislation and support current or future legislation that gives HUD the authority and funding for their disaster housing mission consistent with the National Response Framework.  



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                                National Advisory Council