Mapp urged FEMA to release funds and expand shelter planning in U.S. Virgin Islands

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp met with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials on June 19, 2018, to press for faster release of recovery funds and to discuss sheltering options for the U.S. Virgin Islands during the 2018 hurricane season.

According to Government House, Mapp told FEMA Administrator William "Brock" Long that the territory had traditionally used schools as shelters, but that many campuses remained too damaged to serve that role. He said more residents would need shelter because many homes were still covered by tarps or temporary repairs while the territory awaited funding for permanent housing reconstruction.

In a letter to Long, Mapp asked FEMA to consider immediate sheltering options, including aircraft and cruise ships that could be positioned in advance of a storm to evacuate residents until the storm passed.

Government House said much of the discussion focused on speeding payments for repairs to homes and schools and accelerating contractor reimbursements. FEMA committed during the meeting to provide additional staff to review project worksheets and other paperwork required to release funds.

Government House also said Mapp planned to meet with members of Congress and Trump administration officials in the following weeks to discuss waivers and changes to federal law related to funding for permanent repairs to private homes in the territory.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-calls-on-fema-to-release-funds-assist-in-sheltering-plans/