FEMA funds split draws questions

The Sun Herald, 4/11/7

Mississippi’s senators on Tuesday backed a FEMA decision to release $275 million for an alternative-housing pilot program in the state. The money came in spite of concerns raised by Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu, questioning why FEMA set aside only $74.5 million for Louisiana.

“Mississippi’s projects that got $280 million scored only six points higher on a scale of 200 than Louisiana’s projects, which received $70 million,” Sharp said. “If you’re playing football or basketball it doesn’t matter if you win by one or 100, you’re bringing home the trophy. But that is not an appropriate model for recovering from a catastrophe.”