Rep. Rooney Issues Statement on Federal Grant for Florida’s Citrus Industry

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Thomas J. Rooney, R-Florida, issued the following statement in response to the Florida Legislative Budget Commission's approval of a federal grant for Florida's citrus industry:

"It's hard to believe it's almost been a whole year since Hurricane Irma hit Florida.

"Districts like mine saw the true impact of this storm. Our citrus growers were devastated - and it was clear the federal government needed to act to help this iconic industry rebound."

On July 19, the Florida Legislative Budget Commission approved an agreement between the USDA and the State of Florida to authorize $340 million in federal funding to aid the Florida citrus industry's recovery from Hurricane Irma. The federal grant is part of a $2.3 billion agriculture disaster relief package Rooney spearheaded and helped pass through Congress. President Donald J. Trump signed the funding into law in February.

"Like all the fights that matter in Washington, this one was far from easy," Rooney said. "Our citrus growers have been patiently waiting for federal relief since last year. The Florida Legislature's approval of this aid is a critical step to help the citrus industry recover and I know it will go a long way in helping growers get back on their feet."