It’s hard to expect that much can be done to unsnarl the mess created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s refusal to hand over promised funding to Calhoun County.
But you never know.
Today, Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions along with Rep. Bob Riley will meet with officials from FEMA and the Department of Defense.
“We’re going to see what in the world is going on and try to nudge that money loose,” said Mike Brumas, a spokesman for Sen. Sessions. The Pentagon had pledged $40.5 million for emergency preparations in the event of a chemical weapons accident at the Anniston Army Depot but FEMA stonewalled and refused to hand over the money.
All this lead to Gov. Don Siegelman’s confusing threat on Friday in which he pledged to stop the incinerator while decrying the continued presence of the chemical weapons stockpile.
“It is hindering our economic development opportunities and will continue to hinder our economic development opportunities in and around Fort McClellan until the Army does what it’s supposed to do and cleans up the mess it’s created,” he said.
Well, Governor, that’s why the Army built the incinerator that you are desperately trying to stop. Do the math. Figure it out.
At least the governor’s threat moved FEMA to finally pass along $25 million on Friday, although the agency has yet to hand over the remaining $15.5 million for gas masks and protective suits for first responders.
Let’s hope our Congressional delegation can get the promised money today. Let’s hope they approach today’s meeting with clearer heads than Gov. Don. Siegelman. And let’s hope we can get on and rid our community of these weapons as soon as possible.
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