Katrina: "News reports suggesting the government is paying $2,980 to $3,500 for the blue plastic tarps, when the usual going rate is only $300..."

Congressmen want investigation of 'Operation Blue Roof':

November 1, 2005 03:30 PM

WASHINGTON — Two U.S. congressmen today called for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Inspector General to investigate several contracts awarded to provide temporary roofs for the tens of thousands of homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Rep. Bill Pascrell, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology, are concerned that the government is overpaying for the work.

News reports suggesting the government is paying $2,980 to $3,500 for the blue plastic tarps, when the usual going rate is only $300, sparked the concerns. Estimates are that as many as 300,000 homes will need the temporary roofs...