Thompson: New Arbitration Process A Step Forward
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, August 07, 2009
August 7, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement following Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s announcement of the creation of a new arbitration process to expedite resolutions of outstanding projects from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita:
"As we approach the fourth anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, recovery and rebuilding have eluded many of the areas affected by these storms. In some instances, the slow pace of recovery can be directly linked to FEMA’s slow pace in approving funding for rebuilding projects. On June 26th, I wrote to Administrator Fugate seeking detailed information on the procedures and composition of the proposed arbitration panel.
While the final rules have not been published, I am encouraged that this newly created arbitration process has been constructed to have all the hallmarks of fairness and independence. I commend Secretary Napolitano and Administrator Fugate on the creation of the new arbitration process to review and expedite these longstanding claims and look forward to the publication of the rules. I am hopeful that this new process will help spur recovery."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
