"Newps" wrote in message
...

That's correct. The controllers MVA/MIA may be lower than the MEA. If
that is the case then an altitude below the MEA can be assigned if you're
trying to get into VMC for example.

That's not correct. The MIA/MVA is the lowest altitude that can be assigned
where MEAs have not been established. Where MEAs have been established,
which is on airways, the minimum altitude is the MEA unless a MOCA applies.
Of course, the way around that is to simply clear the aircraft direct to a
fix up ahead.

http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/ATC/Chp4/atc0405.html#4-5-6