We have had lights, cameras, but no action on long term recovery.
As we approach month 5 since Hurricane Sandy devastated large areas of coastal communities in N.Y. and N.J., there is surprising little news about FEMA’s strategy for facilitating recovery or the new role and functions of the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.The news media have not been providing coverage to this topic. And the two agencies named have been very quiet. If any of our readers have information, I would be glad to hear from them.
In my view, recovery has long been the neglected phase of emergency management, and most of the limited knowledge about long-term recovery in the U.S. that exists resides with the research and academic communities. To my knowledge those communities have not been asked for advice and assistance by either FEMA or HUD. Again, if you have information to the contrary please let me know.
Back in early November, 2012, I wrote a posting titled: Recovery Planning for NY and NJ, Some Ideas. I think most of those suggestions are still valid and should be considered. But time is wasting…….
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The funding package was just approved last week. Recovery takes time, except in China, and I think there is a price to be paid for such speed.
-Rob Olshansky
Good point. Much of the delay is due to Congress.
Thanks for commenting.
Claire
From Bill Cumming:
Perhaps LTR for both NJ and NY are plagued by the notion that old beach communities providing fun and frolic to many but not really contributing to the economy of these states even before Sandy deserve public investment only to be lost in the next storm!
LIFE IS NOT A BEACH!