Governor Ron DeSantis, FDOT and DEM Announce $9.8 Million in FEMA Funding for Debris Cleanup

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 29 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release:

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that following President Donald Trump's commitment to federally fund 100-percent of the first 45 days of Hurricane Michael recovery, the Florida Department of Transportation will receive $9.8 million from FEMA to reimburse the cost of debris cleanup in Jackson County.

This is also the first FDOT project reimbursed under the expedited FEMA reimbursement process, which the Florida Division of Emergency Management requested at the direction of Governor DeSantis. This means that not only is the State of Florida saving nearly 2.5 million in taxpayer dollars, but also this funding is flowing as fast as possible to help Northwest Florida recover from Hurricane Michael.

"Today's announcement is made possible because President Trump heard my request and ordered these federal dollars to be released," said Governor DeSantis. "Under my watch, and thanks to the President, those impacted by Hurricane Michael will not be forgotten. I'm proud of the work our state continues to do for the people of Northwest Florida."

FDOT has removed more than 18 million cubic yards of debris to date in both State and local roadways located in the eight (8) counties. The impacted counties that FDOT was able to better serve with the secured funding include: Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Wakulla, and Washington.

"I am grateful to Governor DeSantis for all of his efforts to secure this funding to help those devastated by Hurricane Michael," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault. "The Department is committed to helping our local communities rebuild and will continue to work with the Governor and support his efforts to ensure Florida fully recovers following the storm."

In January, DEM announced that, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the division was putting in place an expedited process to accelerate funding for Northwest Florida communities impacted by Hurricane Michael. Activating this process will get funds to affected communities more quickly by providing 50 percent of estimated project costs up front and requiring less initial review.

"The Florida Division of Emergency Management continues to examine every process, procedure and program to ensure we're doing everything we can to help the Panhandle recover," said DEM Director Jared Moskowitz. "This expedited project shows that we've already started cutting away at the red tape that has been a roadblock in the past."

In January, Governor DeSantis announced additional federal reimbursement for Northwest Florida. For more on that announcement, click HERE (https://www.flgov.com/2019/01/24/governor-ron-desantis-announces-additional-federal-reimbursement-for-florida-panhandle/).

Earlier this month, Governor DeSantis announced that President Trump formally granted Florida's request for 45 days of 100 percent federal cost share reimbursement for Hurricane Michael, for that announcement, click HERE (https://www.flgov.com/2019/03/11/governor-desantis-announces-formal-notification-from-fema-for-45-days-of-100-percent-federal-cost-share-reimbursement-for-hurricane-michael/).