Kelly Hayes
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has requested an initial $33 billion in major disaster supplemental spending in response to Hurricane Ian’s impact.
The requested $33 billion comes from an initial assessment of need, according to the request, and that figure is expected to change as assessments continue.
The largest portion of funding requested comes from the Army Corps of Engineers for Civil Works projects, about $12.38 billion. Of those funds, $12 billion would be directed to rehabilitation and repair of damages caused by the hurricane, as well as construction of authorized coastal storm risk management/shoreline protection, flood control and ecosystem restoration projects.
Additional funds would be used for mitigation efforts against flooding, improvements of water management flexibility to increase coastal resilience, operations and maintenance for dredging.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also received a request for $10.05 billion from Rubio. Of that, $10 billion would be used to replenish the Disaster Recovery Fund, and $50 million for a pilot program to raise homes in flood-prone areas in partnership with Florida.
Rubio requested an additional $2.955 billion from the Department of Agriculture. That funding would be divided into $2 billion for the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program to cover agricultural costs from loss of crops, trees, bushes and vines, as well as additional funding directed to WIC, Emergency Watershed Protection and other USDA programs.
“The strength and resilience of Floridians are inspiring, but we have a long recovery ahead. Given the scale and scope of the disaster — by some measures the fifth strongest hurricane to ever hit the United States — the federal government has an important role to play in facilitating Florida’s recovery. I plan to make sure our state receives the emergency relief it needs to fully rebuild,” Rubio said in a statement.
Rubio also wrote to each of the federal agency heads requesting disaster assessment needs
Hurricane Ian made landfall two weeks ago near Fort Myers at near-Category 5 strength, bringing with it torrential rain, tornadoes and massive storm surges that flooded a large swath of the Gulf Shore.
The hurricane became the fifth-most powerful to ever hit the U.S. after leveling areas in Fort Myers and Sarasota, leaving nearly 2.7 million people without power.
Rubio has previously made clear he will only support a relief package with the sole purpose of providing resources to Hurricane Ian response, a point of controversy for some Floridians. He’s vowed to oppose any Hurricane Ian relief package that is “loaded up with stuff that’s unrelated to the storm.”
More details on the funding request are available here.
10 comments
Elliott Offen
October 12, 2022 at 1:39 pm
They are anti tax, anti government, anti American. I wouldn’t give them shit until they quell their terrorist supporters, fascist rhetoric, and start leading their constituents instead of being a mouthpiece for the most vile among them. Also shoveling money to the rich doesn’t help and don’t know why people who aren’t rich vote for these GOP charlatans. Buncha stupid people.. that’s why.
PeterH
October 12, 2022 at 2:09 pm
WELCOME TO THE REPUBLICAN GRIFTER STATE OF FLORIDA
This is beginning to sound like the immediacy of COVID handouts to private businesses that resulted in “Republican Free Stuff Fraud”……
The hurricane hit less than two weeks ago ….. there is PLENTY OF TIME to assess need….get remediation proposals, and secure bank loans.
All funds should NOT BE A $33 billion dollar handout but based on Federal Treasury guaranteed low interest loans to the State’s selected banks.
The State of Florida should have multiple bids from qualified engineers before the bank loans get approved.
Ocean Joe
October 12, 2022 at 3:05 pm
“Additional funds would be used for mitigation efforts against flooding, improvements of water management flexibility to increase coastal resilience, operations and maintenance for dredging.”
If climate change and sea level rise are hoaxes as the GOP claims, then why would we need to spend this money?
BobN
October 12, 2022 at 3:47 pm
US Senators have no role in the distribution of federal aid. They can’t ask for anything. This is just a campaign press release meant to fool the rubes — including the authors at Florida Politics.
Tom
October 13, 2022 at 4:40 am
How ignorant are you Bobn?
Are you serious ? It’s called the appropriation process, power of the purse$$? Congresses greatest function and act. The ignorance from all above Dums is overwhelming.
Rubio is the most effective “legislator”
In Congress, both parties. As a former Florida Speaker of the House, he writes law to the micro level.
David A.
October 18, 2022 at 6:52 pm
The man NEVER shows up to work, and hasn’t passed ONE single bill. That’s not the definition of “effective” on this planet.
It’s true that legislators can logroll or extort funds through the power of the purse, but asking for funds after voting against the bill containing the funds is a sideshow that only proves how scummy and manipulative he is.
Yrral
October 13, 2022 at 7:30 am
Tom,Only thing Rubio is running in Washington,is his mouth ,he cannot propose one cent without Democrats consent, welcome to reality Republicans
Tom
October 13, 2022 at 2:10 pm
Yrral, it cannot pass without 60 votes in Senate. It will be a compromise relief bill.
Marco is the best legislator in Congress, House and Senate.
Yes, you are right though, schumer, and Dems are hostage takers. It’s called a Christmas tree.
Pelosi is another story.
They’ll demand pork for every Dem constituent conceivable.
Most of Rubio’s outline will be adopted.
David A.
October 18, 2022 at 6:54 pm
The man doesn’t have a real job, and does NO work.
Not what anyone considers a legislator.
Beth
October 23, 2022 at 8:05 am
Anxious to see how much of that money ends up in Rubio’s pocket
Comments are closed.