FEMA director to resign

David Paulison said today that he plans to resign as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Miami Herald reported.

Paulison, 61, took control of FEMA in September 2005 after the agency and its then-chief, Michael Brown, came under heavy criticism for their performance in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He said his departure could come anytime before a new administration takes over in January. Aides said he does not plan to leave before or during the hurricane season.

Speaking Wednesday to reporters at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando, Fla., Paulison said he planned to resign regardless of who takes over the White House on Jan. 20.