WASHINGTON (September 14)  – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today introduced legislation to prevent the removal or demolition of storm shelters built to protect school children after the devastating tornadoes in Alabama this past spring.

            Bachus authored the Community Shelter Protection Act of 2011 in response to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulation that would force cash-strapped schools to choose between purchasing the storm shelters or having them removed or demolished.   The bill is cosponsored by all Members of the Alabama House delegation:  Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-4), Congressman Jo Bonner (AL-1), Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-5), Congresswoman Martha Roby (AL-2) Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-3), and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7) {updated}.

            “This misguided policy could put the safety of school children and citizens in communities across Alabama at risk. It is an example of regulation from Washington gone amok. Our local school administrators are rightfully alarmed by this rule. Taxpayers have spent money to build these shelters and it would be ridiculous to spend more taxpayer money to tear them down,” said Bachus.

            The legislation would prevent FEMA from ordering schools to dispose of storm shelters built to serve temporary classrooms. Under Congressman Bachus’ bill, schools and communities would be allowed to keep the temporary shelters.

            The text of the legislation, which is numbered H.R. 2919, can be viewed here.   Committee referral has not yet been determined.

            To view Congressman Bachus’ earlier release and letter to the President on the issue, click here.

            To view Fox News report on the FEMA regulation and Congressman Bachus’ response, click here.