On these hot days, most people would pay good money for some crispy, cold ice. However, it seems FEMA can't give the cold stuff away.
After 2005's Hurricane Katrina, thousands of pounds of ice were made for victim relief efforts. However, thanks to faulty estimates by local officials, way too much ice was made. The ice, held at AmeriCold Logistics in Gloucester, MA and at 22 similar facilities nationwide, is costing the government (you/me) $12.5 million dollars to store the ice since Katrina. Yep, that's right...million dollar ice. Not to mention, truckers were paid $900 per day to haul the ice from the Gulf states, all the way to New England. I'm no genious, but aside from the Boston Tea Party, I can't remember the last disaster to hit Massachusetts. Why was it shipped there?
Anyway, FEMA contracts required disposal of the ice three months after purchase, but decided to keep the excess ice for the predicted 2006 hurricane season. With fewer storms than expected, the ice was not needed, and the agency decided not to save it for the 2007 season.
Now, it appears FEMA can't even give the million dollar ice away. So it will be melted. Yep, perfectly good ice going down the drain. What a waste of tax dollars. Couldn't this ice be used for something?
Be creative and post some ideas by clicking on the comments link below. I'll add the first one. --Brent
2 comments:
If it is truly not safe to consume, then sell it to people to use in their old-fashioned homemade ice cream makers. MMM...homemade peach ice cream is a summertime favorite.
Drop it into pools on a hot day.
I'm Aaron Matthews.
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