Duval Times

The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is once again projected to be depleted during the hurricane season. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) have sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell, requesting information on current DRF levels, an estimate of when the funds will be exhausted, and a contingency plan for that eventuality.

In their letter, the senators expressed their concern: “Last year, we led an effort in the Senate to fully fund FEMA’s DRF at the levels requested by your agency and the White House. It is gravely concerning to us that now, not even a year later, the Biden administration is projecting another funding shortfall.”

The senators further elaborated on their concerns in their correspondence with Administrator Criswell. They emphasized Florida's need for coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal partners in disaster response. They also stressed the potential devastation that could result from a funding shortage for disaster relief efforts across Florida and the nation.

According to FEMA's latest monthly DRF report issued on May 7, 2024, there is an expected deficit of $1.359 billion in its Major Declarations fund by August 2024. This deficit is projected to increase to $6.811 billion by September 2024.

The senators asked Administrator Criswell several questions regarding the DRF's current funding level, FEMA's projected deficit timeline for the DRF, when FEMA expects it will need to activate an immediate needs funding designation, and what level of funding FEMA requires to adequately respond to disasters during the 2024-25 hurricane season.

In conclusion of their letter, they stated: "In the aftermath of any natural disaster, Floridians expect government at every level to work together and show up. Families in Florida, and across the nation, must be able to rely on the federal government to do its part as they get back on their feet. We look forward to your response as we work together to ensure FEMA and the DRF have the resources our communities may need."