The state of Florida and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have reached an agreement for the first time to expedite debris removal.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at a news conference in Fort Myers on Wednesday, where he announced a new Hurricane Ian relief effort.
Florida and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have agreed for the first time to expedite the removal of debris from private and commercial properties in the most affected areas, including Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel, the governor said.
“The sooner we clear up the debris, the sooner we can rebuild things and get people back on track,” the governor said at the meeting.
DeSantis said FEMA will use new technologies such as satellite imagery to investigate the damage. He noted that in the past he had to go door-to-door by FEMA officials to physically inspect the structure, which could take months to complete.
“By leveraging technology, we are bypassing that cumbersome process and allowing FEMA to determine program eligibility more quickly.”
He said these exemptions would allow debris removal on private property and could include removing damaged slabs on private property.
DeSantis also announced the creation of the Florida Debris Cleanup Program.
Residents can submit an online application here to report displaced and abandoned titled properties located on private and commercial land.
The governor finally announced that FEMA’s direct temporary housing has been improved for affected individuals who are homeless due to the storm. available to those who have
DeSantis said there are national housing missions to provide travel trailers and vehicles to storm-affected people who are not eligible for the FEMA program.
Watch the full press conference below.
