WASHINGTON, D.C.A meeting of high-level federal officials Tuesday yielded no resolution to the emergency preparedness controversy that could lead to a lawsuit against the chemical weapons incinerator.
Calhoun County's congressional delegation failed to ease the Federal Emergency Management Agency's concerns over several items approved by the Department of Defense as part of the county's preparations for an accident at the Anniston Army Depot's weapons stockpile or incinerator.
Instead, the lawmakers and their staffers emerged from a 45-minute meeting with FEMA and Pentagon officials expressing a determination to hold the agency to a commitment made in November.
"An agreement has been made and it ought to be honored," said Dan Gans, chief of staff for Rep. Bob Riley, R-Ashland. "This is not a negotiation."
The meeting took place in the shadow of a looming legal threat from Gov. Don Siegelman, who last week revealed his plans to take action to delay the startup of the incinerator unless FEMA frees up $40.5 million that would pay for a number of preparedness measures.
FEMA has since made $25 million available but has held up $15.5 million because of its reservations about what the money would purchase, including software upgrades, protective hoods for civilians who live near the depot, and protective suits for area emergency responders.
County officials say the equipment and software enhancements are necessary to protect the community, a sentiment echoed by the county's representatives in Washington.
Tuesday's meeting, which The Star was not allowed to attend, appeared to be the last, best chance to avoid litigation, but the only definitive action to come out of it was an agreement to meet again after FEMA officials travel to Calhoun County to pitch alternatives to the items in dispute.
The Alabama politicians who attended the meeting insisted that the community should receive the items in the original agreement.
Any change in the agreement "needs the consent of the officials in Calhoun County," said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile. "They should not underestimate the knowledge (of county officials)."
A spokesman said FEMA generally does not comment on such meetings.
