Pasco Reporter

In response to the challenges faced by local governments in Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide more flexibility in debris removal operations. The request is led by U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, along with U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio.

The hurricanes have left significant damage, creating an urgent need for coordinated federal assistance. Local authorities are currently limited by FEMA's strict guidelines on reimbursement for debris removal, which restricts their ability to expand cleanup efforts.

Bilirakis emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues: "As you drive through our community, you can’t miss the piles of debris and trash that has been rotting along roadways and in driveways for weeks. Local governments have done their best to remove the debris as quickly as they are able under current guidelines, but we need to remove those restrictions so that we can get these obstructive hazards cleaned up."

The lawmakers' letter seeks formal acknowledgment from FEMA regarding assurances given about reimbursing local governments for cleanup activities between the two storms. This measure aims to minimize further risk to life and property.

Alongside Bilirakis, Scott, and Rubio, twelve other members of the House from Florida have signed this request.