Duval Times

Hurricane Debby has caused severe damage throughout the State of Florida. Governor DeSantis requested both Public Assistance Categories A (Debris Removal) and B (Emergency Protective Measures). However, President Biden only approved Category B for storm recovery.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) sent a letter to President Biden requesting Public Assistance Category A be approved in the aftermath of the storm.

“Hurricane Debby continues to bring severe weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, posing a significant threat to public safety and infrastructure. By granting approval for Category A Public Assistance, we can efficiently mobilize resources, coordinate debris removal efforts, and mitigate the risks associated with post-storm debris.”

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. President,

We write to express our strong support for the State of Florida’s request for the activation of Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal) as Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee in Florida’s Big Bend. We appreciate the approval of the Public Assistance Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) but believe that Category A (Debris Removal) is critical to ensuring the safety and recovery of our communities in the aftermath of the storm.

Hurricane Debby continues to bring severe weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, posing a significant threat to public safety and infrastructure. By granting approval for Category A Public Assistance, we can efficiently mobilize resources, coordinate debris removal efforts, and mitigate the risks associated with post-storm debris.

The approval of Category A will enable local and state agencies to:

- Accelerate Debris Removal: Immediate removal of debris will reduce hazards to life and property, ensuring that emergency services and utility restoration can proceed without delay.

- Enhance Public Safety: Clearing roads and public spaces of debris will facilitate safe evacuation routes and access for emergency responders.

- Minimize Environmental Impact: Swift debris removal will prevent environmental contamination and secondary hazards that can arise from accumulated debris.

- Optimize Resource Allocation: Approval will streamline the deployment of personnel and equipment, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective response.

Given the current impacts and continued severity of Hurricane Debby, your prompt approval of State of Florida’s request is essential and will assist our communities by reducing recovery time post-storm.

We respectfully ask that you urgently review and respond to the State of Florida’s request within all applicable rules and regulations by issuing activation of Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal) in response to Hurricane Debby. We also ask that you expedite any additional requests for assistance that the state may subsequently submit.

Sincerely,