FEMA Suspends Payments Elsewhere

FEMA is suspending payments to projects from previous disasters, to pay for its response to Hurricane Irene, the Associated Press reports. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has less than $1 billion available for federal disaster assistance. So, FEMA is temporarily halting payments to rebuild structures in Joplin, Mo., and other long term projects. It's a process called "immediate needs funding." The agency says its placing priority on the current disaster and the people who need immediate aid. The move is expected the keep the federal disaster relief fund solvent. FEMA will still pay people eligible for individual storm assistance. Ten states, the District and Puerto Rico have applied for federal emergency assistance since last week.