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US Congress Appropriates Funds for HUS & FEMA

KOLONIA, Pohnpei (FSM INFORMATION SERVICE): June 24, 1998 - The United States Congress has appropriated additional funds for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and FEMA in the form of block grants addressing the hazard mitigation "unmet needs."

A communication from FSM President Jacob Nena to Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap Governors stated that the "unmet needs" were identified during the period between the first of October last year to the end of September this year, which were otherwise not funded due to insufficiency of hazard mitigation funds.

"As such, we are encouraged to expedite the completion of our proposed hazard mitigation projects for the FEMA 1213 DR," said the President.

The President has notified FEMA Regional Director of FSM's interest in seeking funding assistance made available through the said congressional appropriation. He also included the hazard mitigation projects identified as priorities for the FSM National Government as well.

The President added, "in another facet of our emergency response program, FEMA has approved the family feeding assistance to be made available to those island whose food production capability have been severely impacted by the drought."

Accordingly, the number of people eligible to receive feeding assistance was determined based on the estimated affect of the drought on the island' food-bearing trees and crops.

The following areas has been identified to receive the feeding assistance: in Pohnpei State, Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi - 1,000 people; Chuuk State, all except 8,000 who are employed on Weno - 50,000 people and in Yap State , the outer islands - 5,000 people.

The President emphasized that in order to expedite processing and distribution of food commodities to the people in need, he asked Governor Figir to provide to the FSM, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those whom the Governor designate to coordinate food distribution.