Calhoun County's legislative delegation to Washington is expected to meet next week with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Defense about emergency preparedness issues here.
The meeting comes weeks after a few Alabama politicians lambasted FEMA for stalling millions of dollars in funding approved by the Pentagon in November. The funds were to pay for an array of equipment to be used as part of the community's preparations in case of a chemical weapons accident at the Anniston Army Depot.
"We're going to see what in the world is going on and try to nudge that money loose," said Mile Brumas, spokesman for Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile.
Last month, FEMA balked at the Pentagon's approval of money for protective equipment for civilians and emergency responders and for software upgrades for the county's emergency operations center. In all, the agency called into question about one-third of the funding package. But the remainder of the $40.5 million remains outstanding as well.
The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Washington, D.C. office of Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, with Sessions and Rep. Bob Riley, R-Ashland, also in attendance. It was unclear who will represent FEMA and the Department of Defense.
