The Ice Stays

Last night on the Fox network’s local news affiliate, there was quite a bit of reporting on the fact that $4 million of ice meant for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas is now in Portland, ME, after days and even weeks of being hauled about the country from Indianapolis to the South to New England. After paying drivers $800 a day for this bizarre trek, FEMA has rented refrigerated warehouses in Portland, Chicago and other cities to store the ice until November 30th, the last day of hurricane season. Local reporters were unable to learn what the cost of storing the ice might be, but they also indicated that no plans for the ice after Novemember 30th have been made.

The drivers of the ice trucks as well as many locals here in New England are wondering why FEMA appears to be wasting money that could be used in helping families in need.

tags: Hurricane Katrina, FEMA

2 comments

1. on September 21, 2005 at 2:51 pm

   Tor said:

   And today FEMA is getting very defensive about all that ice in Maine. Of course, after Nov. 30, we’ll be able to get all the ice any place would need for free out of Moosehead Lake, if hurricane season runs a little long this year.

2. on September 21, 2005 at 3:10 pm

   n. mallory said:

   I know I keep thinking that other than Alaska, Maine is the last place that needs ice. I’m very proud of Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for stepping up and asking WTF?

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