FEMA Backs Off Claim of Flood Relief Debt
Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency backed off their claim Tuesday that Orange County owes the federal agency more than $4 million in disaster relief stemming from severe flood damage in 1995.
FEMA Director James L. Witt said Tuesday in light of his own agency’s “numerous mistakes,” it is suspending efforts to collect an estimated $4.15 million from Orange County. But Witt warned Orange County to have the sum ready in case a new FEMA investigation discovered the sum is, in fact, owed.
In June, FEMA officials contended Orange County was essentially paid twice for damages to county flood control basins in 1995. Last month, FEMA officials said they sent Orange County two payments for flood damages--one for $4.15 million and another for $5 million.
At that time, county officials responded they only received $4.15 million and had already spent those funds on flood repairs.
On Tuesday, Rep. Jay C. Kim (R-Diamond Bar), who sided with the county in the dispute, criticized FEMA.
“Mr. Witt’s response to my concerns shows that FEMA does not really know what is going on,” said Kim. “Orange County should not have to pay for FEMA’s mistakes.”
FEMA officials again warned county officials that an estimated $27 million in pending damage claims also from the 1995 disaster will probably not be paid by FEMA, or by any federal or state agency.
Witt said the county’s claims appear to not meet FEMA guidelines for more disaster aid.
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