The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) last week highlighted the work of the Debris Task Force to remove and refloat 34 shrimp trawlers six months post-landfall of Hurricane Ian. The estimated cost for this project totals $9.6 million from the Emergency Trust Fund.
“Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage in Southwest Florida putting many in the seafood industry out of work due to their inability to access their shrimp trawlers,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “I want to thank our team at the Division as well as the numerous contractors who have worked around the clock to take on this massive project and help this industry get back on their feet.”
Hurricane Ian caused a devastating impact on the shrimping industry in Southwest Florida, which accounts for 43% of the total shrimp harvest for the state. Over 300 workers in Lee County were displaced as a result of the storm.
On Saturday, October 29, 2022, FDEM offered affected counties the option to have all Hurricane Ian-related personal property debris removal and commercial property debris removal handled by the Division. This is the first time the State has managed debris removal in the aftermath of a Hurricane.
