Memo re: EPA air testing program status, September 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Avaltronl, Robert . To: Grob, Shauna Subject: WTC Update

Shauna,

• All mechanisms are in place for EPA’s commencement of the Interior Clean Up Program on 9/3. We will likely slightly delay one quadrant to the later part of next week which in no way compromises the program.

• EPA has been testing In a segment of buildings with the funds we had released from FEMA.

• We are on target to commence work on the unoccupied buildings segment of the program on 9/15/02. (125 Cedar Street, etc.).

• EPA seems positioned to get funding from the American Red Cross with respect to relocation and replacement.

• Secured funding from FEMA for $462K to support DOH’s program linked to Lower Manhattan.

• Laurel Blatchford and Edelman have put together a wonderful communication program on Lower Manhattan. We have worked closely with them in support. As of now, they anticipate the Mayor announcing this next Wednesday, 9/4.

Last night I broached an idea to Laurel that might be beneficial to us. I asked that they consider giving Senators Clinton and Schumer (possibly even Lieberman who chaired hearings in February or March) a sneak preview of the Lower Manhattan Communications plan to be unveiled next week by the Mayor. She said it sounded great. It’s my feeling that this could be effective and mute some of the critics who solely want to zero in on a minute population criticizing clean up efforts. It’s just a suggestion.

• We have maintained a solid cooperative relationship with EPA (in spite of some sensitive issues), which should further enhance your position to work with Jane Kenny. You could say we gave them a pass concerning the Wall Street Journal quote from Bonnie Bellow. This quote did not go over well with FEMA Washington as per Brad Gair.

• We have further enhanced our credibility with FEMA

• Based on my conversation with Clinton’s office of 8/29, we have a solid relationship. Senator Clinton’s 8/13 letter to Administrator Whitman and the Mayor is entirely an EPA issue. I asked Mary Mears of EPA if they were responding to the Senator after my meeting at City Hall yesterday. The ball is in their court and the Clinton people concur.

• Our Exterior Clean-Up Program is proceeding nicely. As you know, our targeted completion date is 10/31/02. Quite honestly, we are ahead of schedule. Let’s keep that between us.

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