FEMA pricing of trailers called unfair

WASHINGTON, May 26 (UPI) -- Some 2005 hurricane victims who bought emergency trailers were treated unfairly by the U.S. government, it was reported Saturday.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency sold trailers to the hurricane victims for prices ranging from $1 to $20,000, said a new report from Richard L. Skinner, the inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security. That inconsistent policy forced a temporary ban -- since rescinded -- on all trailer sales, The Washington Post reported.

The newspaper said the uneven practices in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida were unfair to some victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and wasted taxpayer money.

"Pricing has not resulted in the best return for the government and has been inequitable to buyers," Skinner wrote to FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison.

FEMA adopted new rules in April and restarted trailer sales in hurricane-affected states this month after halting them in October, the Post reported.

Skinner's is the latest criticism of FEMA's handling of the multibillion-dollar housing program established in 2005. About 86,000 families left homeless by the hurricanes continue to live in trailers and mobile homes, down from a peak of about 120,000.