Hurricane relief stalled as the new season looms

Throughout the Florida counties blasted by last season's four hurricanes, the lament is the same: Where is the money?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency promised it to governments and individuals to speed recovery. It went promptly to many who didn't deserve it but has been denied, delayed or trussed up in red tape for those who do. Florida's congressional delegation could light a fire under FEMA with hearings planned for next month, and U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, R-Jupiter, plans legislation that could make the agency deal with future claims faster and fairly.

Palm Beach County got a first FEMA check for $7.25 million last week, and expects another for $16 million soon. But the county spent $59 million to remove debris after Frances and Jeanne. Martin County has filed a formal appeal to FEMA, seeking almost $5.4 million in contested costs for removing debris from gated communities and paying overtime to fire-rescue workers on call during the storms. Martin has received only $6 million of $34.8 million in expenses it has asked FEMA to pay. St. Lucie County also has filed an appeal to get back $2.2 million spent collecting debris from private roads and gated communities. Victims of Charley and Ivan have similar complaints.

In contrast, Miami-Dade won $32 million in fast FEMA cash, including money for funerals that weren't storm-related and damage from... ice and snow.

Martin County officials tell a story other governments know by heart. FEMA's personnel kept changing, and each new team brought a new set of forms and rules. Palm Beach County, Port St. Lucie and others borrowed money to cover costs until FEMA money came through; local governments are paying interest waiting for federal reimbursement.

Rep. Foley and other Florida lawmakers want congressional hearings to find out how FEMA dealt with damage claims and what has happened to the money. Rep. Foley said the hearings could start next month. While directing sunshine onto FEMA's records could help with existing claims, Rep. Foley also is preparing legislation that he hopes to file within the next few weeks to improve the agency's response. He proposes making all FEMA application forms standard "so we're all singing off the same hymnal." He wants to clarify what FEMA will pay, and that the agency will reimburse governments for debris removal on private lands and private roads.

Surrounded last week by Wellington officials who visited him to complain about FEMA, Rep. Foley said in a phone interview that most governments in his eight-county district -- hit by three of the storms -- have similar gripes. Wellington wanted him to assign a staffer to process the village's claims, a suggestion that provoked nervous laughter. It is what every storm-damaged town and county in Florida wants, Rep. Foley said, but he doesn't have the staff to do it. "Nobody's blaming me," Rep. Foley said, "but I'm feeling the heat." He remains concerned that FEMA's place as part of the huge Department of Homeland Security created after 9/11 "may not be a good fit."

Hearings to sort out the past and present; legislation to improve the future. For Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County residents trying to get back to normal before hurricane season, what matters more is the cash FEMA promised.