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Rubio, Nelson Request Additional Hurricane Relief Measures from Federal Government

Sep 13, 2017 | Press Releases

Miami, FL – In the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) urged President Trump and three agency heads to take specific steps to help Floridians affected by the storm.
 
Rubio and Nelson urged President Trump to provide an increase and extension of the federal cost share related to public assistance, specifically debris removal and emergency protective measures. Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act, catastrophic storms like Hurricane Irma warrant a higher federal cost share in order to assist in significant clean up and recovery efforts.
 
Rubio and Nelson urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to continue to coordinate with relevant federal agencies to provide all possible aid, staff and resources to address any deficiencies to infrastructure. 
 
Rubio and Nelson asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate with relevant federal, state and local officials to help communications providers restore Florida’s networks.
 
Rubio and Nelson urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a physical presence in disaster-affected areas as soon as possible.
 
Rubio and Nelson asked President Trump to support Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola, Jr.’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the Seminole Tribe of Florida.