Duval Times

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, has caused significant damage along Florida's Gulf Coast. In response, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, along with several Florida representatives, have sent a letter to President Joe Biden. They are urging the federal government to expedite resources and authorize emergency policy flexibilities to aid recovery efforts.

The letter states: “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.”

Among the signatories are U.S. Representatives Greg Steube, Anna Paulina Luna, Laurel Lee, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Kat Cammack, Byron Donalds, and Neal Dunn.

The letter highlights several requests for federal agencies:

- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is asked to approve temporary housing assistance requests quickly. This includes authorizing the use of travel trailers and manufactured homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

- FEMA is also urged to issue storm-specific guidance for debris removal and ensure sand removal is eligible for reimbursement under Category A Public Assistance.

- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is requested to expedite emergency permitting procedures and issue a policy memorandum related to shoreline easements.

- Operation Blue Roof may be activated if assessed as necessary by FEMA and USACE.

Additionally, there is support for the State of Florida's request for an Agricultural Disaster designation from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. The letter suggests block grants as a method for distributing disaster assistance more efficiently.

The officials express their readiness to collaborate with the administration on these matters affecting Floridians.