Norton Holds Two Hearings on Gulf Region & Testimony on NOMA and St. Elizabeth's Progress (5/9/07)

Two Norton Hearings on Thursday: Easing Daily Life in the Gulf Region &
GSA Testimony on NOMA and St. Elizabeth's DHS Progress
May 9, 2007

Washington, DC-Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee with oversight over FEMA, at 2 PM tomorrow (Thursday, May 10th), will hold a hearing on the post-Katrina issues and disputes that may be most responsible for the quality of life in the Gulf Coast region today. Entitled: "Legislative Fixes for Lingering Problems that Hinder Katrina Recovery," the hearing will be held in Room 2167 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The purpose is to prepare a bill with changes in law adapted to continuing issues that make day-to-day life difficult for Gulf Coast residents and threaten repopulation.

Norton said that many of these fixes involve funding that might not be eligible except for a highly, unusual catastrophic event. For example, a sheriff's department in Mississippi is still operating out of trailers, and utilities usually paid for by occupants may be picked up because of huge costs resulting from the destruction of the entire sewer system. FEMA also sometimes is reluctant to provide funding because of questions whether damage resulted from Katrina or from deferred maintenance. Norton seeks to settle repeated disputes like these that often determine whether people stay or give up and leave. She said, "I am looking to solve some of the lingering recovery problems that make returning to normalcy seem almost impossible."

Members of the House from Louisiana and Mississippi will testify tomorrow because they have received a steady stream of complaints that FEMA withholds funds because of doubts or restricted reading of its authority. Norton said that there must be quick resolution so that Gulf Coast residents can get back to normal life.

At 10 AM Thursday in 2253 Rayburn Building, Norton's subcommittee will hold a hearing on the General Services Administration's FY 08 programs, including leasing progress in NOMA (North of Massachusetts Avenue) and on the movement of Homeland Security Department headquarters to Ward 8. David L. Winstead, GSA Commissioner of Public Building Service, will testify.