Governor Josh Stein has outlined recommendations for reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance federal disaster response. These suggestions were conveyed in a letter to the President’s FEMA Review Council, following a request for public input by the Department of Homeland Security.
“Nobody wants disaster to strike their state, but we know that simply hoping for the best is not a viable strategy. We must take steps to make disasters less deadly and less costly while also being ready to support survivors when storms hit,” stated Governor Stein. He emphasized North Carolina’s commitment to collaborating with federal authorities on improving disaster support and encouraged focusing on citizens’ needs: “Let’s improve FEMA, not abolish it.”
Governor Stein’s proposals include four key reforms:
1. **Fast, Flexible Funding**: He suggested that FEMA should disburse block grants more swiftly and efficiently by allowing states to submit pre-approved action plans before disasters occur.
2. **Permanent Repairs Eligibility**: Currently, FEMA funds are used only for temporary or pre-storm condition rebuilding. Governor Stein recommended making permanent repairs immediately eligible for funding to save taxpayer money and strengthen structures.
3. **Support Local Governments**: To alleviate financial pressure on local governments reliant on reimbursement programs, he proposed shifting FEMA’s focus towards monitoring and compliance rather than gradual project approvals.
4. **Simplified Survivor Process**: Governor Stein advocated for a streamlined application process through a common form sent to all relevant federal agencies, reducing survivors’ burdens and improving inter-agency coordination.
Furthermore, he urged the continuation of federal involvement in resilience efforts within vulnerable communities despite recent program cancellations like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC). While acknowledging room for improvement in such initiatives, he opposed permanent cancellation.
The importance of resilience was underscored by citing a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report indicating that every dollar spent on preparedness saves $13 in economic impact costs related to damage and cleanup efforts.
Click here to read Governor Stein’s full letter.
