Broward County commissioners are asking Congress to hold hearings to address why homeowners plagued with Chinese drywall are not receiving emergency assistance from FEMA.
Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected the state’s request for help in assessing the damage caused by the corrosive, defective drywall from China. FEMA’s regional director said the request did not meet federal criteria for a disaster.
Commissioner Stacy Ritter, who represents the northwestern Broward area where the drywall has been a major problem, asked fellow commissioners to send the letter requesting congressional hearings.
“The people affected by this Chinese drywall are victims,” Ritter said in a statement. “The situation is no less an emergency than a natural disaster. People are being forced out of their homes. FEMA’s rules need to be changed to cover drastic events like this.”
Under a federal disaster program, affected homeowners could have applied for funds capped at $29,900 per family. Rough cost estimates have reached more than $100,000 per home.
Complaints about Chinese drywall began more than a year ago. The defective drywall generates a “rotten egg” smell and corrodes wiring, copper pipes, appliances and metals.
State officials have determined 530 homes in Florida, including 128 in Broward and Palm Beach counties, have had metal corrosion due to Chinese drywall. County property appraisers statewide have reduced property values of 2,505 homes, including 300 in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Copyright © 2010 Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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