Congressman Cohen, Joined By Subcommittee Chair, Seeks Answers from FEMA on Wasted Ice

Washington, DC – Thursday, July 19, Congressman Steve Cohen was joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chairwoman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, in sending a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relaying their concerns with FEMA’s most recent logistical debacle, the waste of $67 million spent on the shipping, storage and disposal of 84.9 million pounds of ice.

"With all the federal shortcomings regarding adequate funding for education, healthcare and housing issues, it is simply unconscionable that a federal agency would be so fiscally careless with the money of our nation’s taxpayers."

"As the representative from Memphis and a member of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA, I have now made several inquiries to FEMA on this issue. This latest correspondence, with support from Chairwoman Norton, sends a message that the Congress wants answers, explanations and solutions and we want them promptly."

FEMA purchased about 224 million pounds of ice at 28 cents a pound to support Hurricane Katrina victims. The agency stored the remaining 84.9 million pounds with the intent of using it during the 2006 hurricane season. Contrary to FEMA’s expectations, the 2006 hurricane season turned out to be mild and the ice went unused.

FEMA stated it attempted to donate the ice but claims those efforts fell through. It contracted with AmeriCold Logistics to store the ice at 23 locations nationwide (including Memphis) and subsequently instructed the vendor to get rid of the ice entirely.

"I am proud that my subcommittee chairwoman joins me in this effort and I hope that FEMA will continue to work with Congress towards improving its overall logistics and take greater care in how it allocates valuable taxpayer dollars."

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Contact:

Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, Congressman Cohen (202) 225-3265