Key West and Marathon on Track to Receive Important Irma Recovery Funds
Following a successful meeting this morning with City of Key West and City of Marathon officials regarding ongoing Hurricane Irma reimbursements, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Wes Maul commented on his takeaways regarding local efforts in working with FDEM to obtain critically-needed storm reimbursement dollars.
“This is my second visit to Monroe County this week, and each time I leave, I do so even more secure in the knowledge that local leaders are totally committed to affecting a complete and speedy recovery for their citizens. Both meetings have been incredibly productive, and I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to both visit this unique community and meet with individuals who truly have a grasp on the intricacies of the federal reimbursement system. I’d like to thank Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey and Key West City Manager Jim Scholl for their outstanding partnership. Given the effort they’ve already put forth in working with FDEM and FEMA recovery teams, I am confident that the Florida Keys are on the right track to quickly receive their Irma recovery dollars.”
Director Maul’s visit this morning coincided with a $603,988.06 Public Assistance payment issued by FDEM to Monroe County today.
Earlier this week, Director Maul participated in a roundtable discussion with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local stakeholders to discuss the continued recovery effort as well as steps that FDEM has taken improve and expedite the reimbursement process.
These steps include bringing on additional technical experts to assist in the state review of projects for corrections or compliance issues, pre-validation of project costs and revision of internal processes to eliminate redundant and unnecessary steps.
Division staff are expeditiously processing every reimbursement request to ensure the reduction of the Florida Keys’ potential for future federal de-obligations. With our newly instituted policies and procedures, Monroe County applicants will not only receive actual reimbursements faster than during previous storms, but with a significantly reduced risk of later federal de-obligation. This will enable Keys communities to achieve and maintain budget certainty following future storms.
FDEM staff continue to work hard every day with our local and federal partners to make sure Florida’s communities receive their obligated federal reimbursements as quickly and with as much security as possible.
For more information regarding the Division’s current storm recovery efforts and our complete elimination of a prior-existing reimbursement review backlog, please visit: https://www.floridadisaster.org/news-media/news/fdem-eliminates-hurricanes-matthew-and-hermine-reimbursement-review-backlog/
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Updated: Friday, April 13, 2018
