Sure - although I should have said "coordination" rather than "control," I guess - although in practice there may not be much distinction:
I take the terms to be synonymous, for the most part - although in practice of course they aren't.
And there very well may be some point where "control" is supposed to pass from state to fed - but it is absolutely necessary that those players agree to "make the transition" at some point. And a smooth transition is very hard to pull off. If you've worked in business, you know what sorts of crap goes down when a responsibiluty and authority is transferred from one person or department to another.
I've read most of the National Response Plan, with discussion at http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1477440/posts?page=786#786 and following. Since then, I've read most of the rules that FEMA operates under. Here is a pair of rules that I just plain can't reconcile cleanly ...
TITLE 44--EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND ASSISTANCEI can't figure out, from those apparantly contradictory assignments of responsibility, who is supposed to be "in charge of what." The Declaration of Emergency came before the storm, but the rules are arranged as though events will always be "event, declaration, response." The rules provide no help as far as how to accomplish a smooth (yet temporatry) transfer or authority and responsibility.
CHAPTER I--FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
PART 206_FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTERS DECLARED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 23, 1988
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/44cfr206_04.htmlSubpart B_The Declaration Process
Sec. 206.42 Responsibilities of coordinating officers.(b) The SCO [State Coordinating Officer - Mr. Art Jones] coordinates State and local disaster assistance efforts with those of the Federal Government working closely with the FCO. The SCO is the principal point of contact regarding coordination of State and local disaster relief activities, and implementation of the State emergency plan. The functions, responsibilities, and authorities of the SCO are set forth in the State emergency plan. It is the responsibility of the SCO to ensure that all affected local jurisdictions are informed of the declaration, the types of assistance authorized, and the areas eligible to receive such assistance.
Subpart C_Emergency Assistance
Sec. 206.64 Coordination of assistance.After an emergency declaration by the President, all Federal agencies, voluntary organizations, and State and local governments providing assistance shall operate under the coordination of the Federal Coordinating Officer. [William Lokey named to handle Lousiana, by Michael D. Brown]
I think it's a symptom of overplanning and too much government, and you watch, we'll be getting more of both.
So, I'm not the only dork who downloads those things and pores over them? ;-)
I can't figure out, from those apparantly contradictory assignments of responsibility, who is supposed to be "in charge of what."
I think resolving apparent contradictions like that are the reason for the designation of "Incident of National Significance." I'm not sure that it can really achieve the goal, as every level of government will always retain control of its own resources, regardless who is "coordinating."
I think it's a symptom of overplanning and too much government, and you watch, we'll be getting more of both.
I agree completely with that assessment of the NRP, and sadly, with that prediction for the future.