Governor Scott’s Letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate
Governor Rick Scott today sent a letter to Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, regarding the denial of Florida’s request for a presidential major disaster declaration as a result of Hurricane Isaac in late August.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Governor Scott’s press office at (850) 717-9282.
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September 20, 2012
The Honorable W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Fugate:
We are in receipt of your letter dated September 19, 2012, regarding the denial of our request for a presidential major disaster declaration for the State of Florida as a result of Hurricane Isaac in late August.
The initial request filed on September 10, 2012 requested Public Assistance for Bay, Collier, Escambia, Monroe, Okaloosa, Palm Beach and Santa Rosa counties. The original declaration request was for $26.8 million, meeting the required threshold of $25 million.
We agree with the request of Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Florida U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings who also sent a letter to the President on September 12, 2012 expressing their support for the major disaster declaration.
Today, I asked the Division of Emergency Management to appeal the denial to ensure Florida communities have the full capability to recover from Isaac’s damage. In addition to the seven original counties requested, the appeal will also include Broward, Franklin and Martin counties, where estimated damage is now nearly $10 million. This brings the total statewide initial damage figure for the ten counties to $36.7 million. A formal appeal will be sent to your office detailing information on the following damage estimates:
Bay $2,968,392
Collier $1,331,371
Escambia $10,422,367
Monroe $888,098
Okaloosa $4,050,000
Palm Beach $6,017,636
Santa Rosa $1,201,000
Original Total $26,878,864
Additional Counties:
Broward $6,117,418
Franklin $139,086
Martin $3,570,875
Additional Total $9,827,379
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
Governor
