U.S. Government Plans Overhaul in Disaster Aid
By ERIC LIPTON
Published: July 24, 2006
WASHINGTON, July 23 — The Department of Homeland Security, responding to months of criticism and ridicule, is revamping several of its core disaster relief programs, enacting changes that will include sharply cutting emergency cash assistance for victims of major disasters, and more carefully controlling access to free hotel rooms.
Immediate emergency aid would not exceed $500 under the new rules, instead of the $2,000 per family previously allowed. And it would be handed out only after identities and addresses were checked. Such precautions were not taken consistently last year after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, an oversight auditors said led to fraud and abuse of up to $1.4 billion.
Separately, federal officials are working with Louisiana leaders to complete an evacuation plan for the southeastern part of the state that would involve a level of federal deployment greater than previously provided in advance of a hurricane or natural disaster. The goal is to help provide emergency transportation for as many as 96,000 people who do not have vehicles.
“There were an awful lot of lessons we learned last year,” said David Garratt, a deputy director at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in an interview on Friday. The agency operates under the auspices of the Homeland Security Department.
The aid-program changes, which take effect immediately, are outlined in a letter being sent to governors and state emergency managers just as the peak of the annual hurricane season approaches....
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/24/washington/24fema.html 
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