Homeland Security Secretary Visits New Orleans

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Secretary Napolitano said the additional$32 million dollars will be used to replace four buildings heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. She said that since taking office in January, she's seen FEMA set aside $895 million dollars for public assistance projects for Louisiana recovery.
She also said there's an arbitration system being fine-tuned that will decided appeals of FEMA rejecting local damage estimates. One of the most significant disputes involves what the state says is needed to replace Charity Hospital.
She was joined by FEMA chief Craig Fugate, who said the agency is working closely with state and local authorities to coordinate any emergency response. They both said the most important element in safety plans is for residents to be prepared.