FEMA memo on coordinating agency letters for WTC cleanup, May

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 19:10 To: Hagerty, Steve Subject: Letters to FEMA regarding Interior Building Cleaning

Steve, I spoke with my contact at DEP regarding the letters to FEMA from DEP, DoH, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, and USEPA that clearly validate the environmental, health and economic threats posed by debris inside residential buildings as well as the resulting need for cleaning. Apparently, DEP did not understand that we need four separate letters or that we want DEP to coordinate the preparation and collection of these letters from the four agencies. DEP understood that we only needed one letter from the City as a whole. We received the draft of this one letter from DEP on May 8, 2002. I also mentioned that the language contained in the four letters should, as compared to the draft letter we received on May 8, 2002, be clearer and perhaps more forceful in regards to the threat and the need to perform cleaning. DEP is concerned that this misunderstanding may cause a delay in funding for this program. Please let me know how I should proceed. Thank you, Emily —Original Message---- Ilan. Lee [maifto:itian@c{tyhati,nyc.gov] Sent: Wednesday, May 15,2002 1:57 PM To: ‘Gair, Brad’ Cc; Sumowicz, Alessandra; Benson, Sam; Connolly, Gerald; McCarty, Gerard; Picciano, Joe Subject: RE: Status of funding requests

Brad, Thanks for your note - we’ll make sure the appropriate parties are aware of your needs. Speak to you soon, Lee

—Original Message— From: Sent: Gair,Brad{mailtc^ Wednesday, May 15, 2002 1:51 PM im.- To: ‘Ilan, Lee’ Cc: Sumowicz, Alessandra; Benson, Sam; Connolly, Gerald; McCarty, Gerard; Picciano, Joe Subject: RE: Status of funding requests

Lee, Sorry, but I have a conflict and cannot attend the meeting this afternoon. The FEMA Public Assistance staff is working with NYC DEP on the Project Worksheet (funding application) for all tasks related to cleaning of building interiors. All FEMA funding for this work will come to NYC, and then it is up to NYC to enter into an agreement with EPA to “subcontract” various tasks. Our goal is to have the PW completed this week, but that is dependent upon NYC providing information to us. I have received a letter from NYC DEP supporting the public health and safety need for the project, but I am awaiting similar supporting letters from NYC DOH, NYC Deputy

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