Duval Times

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, along with other Florida representatives, have urged President Joe Biden to expedite federal resources and approve emergency policy flexibilities to aid Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane made landfall as a Category 4 storm, causing severe damage along Florida's Gulf Coast.

The letter to President Biden was signed by Senators Scott and Rubio, as well as U.S. Representatives Greg Steube, Anna Paulina Luna, Laurel Lee, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Kat Cammack, Byron Donalds, and Neal Dunn. It emphasized the need for a swift federal response to facilitate recovery efforts.

"Mr. President: In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we write to urge you to direct federal agencies to expedite state-requested resources and actions and to implement precedented emergency policy flexibilities to facilitate a seamless federal response," the members wrote.

Specific requests include authorizing temporary housing assistance through FEMA policies such as Emergency Non-Congregate Sheltering and Transitional Sheltering Assistance. The letter also calls for FEMA's authorization of travel trailers and manufactured homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas due to Florida's low elevation challenges.

Further requests were made for storm-specific guidance on debris removal and ensuring sand removal is eligible for FEMA reimbursement under Category A Public Assistance. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was asked for expedited permitting procedures for emergency work in navigation channels affected by debris.

Additionally, there was a call for implementing Operation Blue Roof by deploying blue plastic tarps on damaged roofs if assessed necessary by FEMA and USACE partners.

The letter also supported Florida's request for an Agricultural Disaster designation from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. It suggested block grants as a method of distributing disaster assistance more efficiently due to USDA manpower constraints.

"We look forward to working with you on behalf of Floridians," concluded the letter addressed to President Biden.