FEMA Red Tape Blamed For Delaying Tornado Safe Rooms
Agency's requirements "a moving target"
Officials in the Oklahoma City suburb ravaged by deadly tornadoes Monday complained earlier this year about FEMA's foot-dragging over $2 million in federal grants for "safe rooms" in 800 homes that would protect people from severe weather.
"Our countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan still has not been approved by the State and FEMA," said a statement posted in February on the City of Moore's website. It said that changes to federal requirements occurred while the city's contractor was preparing the plan, adding, "We've found that the FEMA requirements … seem to be a constantly moving target."
A spokesperson for the Federal Emergency Management Agency told NBC News the agency is "looking into" the city's claim about delays.