DeSantis awards $25 million to Lee County for Hurricane Ian recovery
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an award Friday of $25 million to Lee County through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program amidst recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian.
The award adds to $11.9 million the governor awarded to the town of Fort Myers Beach through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program, bringing the total awarded in this program to nearly $37 million.
“I’m proud to announce Lee County is the second local government to receive a Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan to keep them on their feet as they focus on their continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian,” DeSantis said.
“Thanks to the Florida Legislature for working quickly to implement this program, to bridge the gap for these local governments until their revenues recover.”
The Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan is managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and provides interest free loans to local governments throughout Florida that were impacted by Hurricane’s Ian or Nicole.
The program is a one-time $50 million appropriation to fund governmental operations within eligible Florida counties and municipalities between the time of the hurricane and the time additional funding sources or revenues are secured.
“The Governor’s commitment to Southwest Florida is phenomenal,” Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said.
“Together, we authored the Bridge Loan Program during the Special Session to help communities in Southwest Florida, including Lee County, continue their operations. The program is modeled after the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which the Governor activates during an emergency. Loans are provided interest-free. Our communities brought this concern to our attention earlier this year, and together we took quick action to help make our communities whole!”
Counties and municipalities located in the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations for Hurricane Ian or Nicole are able to apply for the program.
A local government applying for a bridge loan must demonstrate that a hurricane may cause or has inflicted substantial loss of tax or other revenues. They must also establish the need for financial assistance to continue performing governmental operations.
“Governor DeSantis has boldly led the state’s response and recovery efforts following hurricanes Ian and Nicole, deploying every available resource to help Floridians and communities in their recovery efforts,” Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Acting Secretary Meredith Ivey said.
“Today’s announcement is another demonstration of his ongoing commitment to helping local governments like Lee County while they continue to recover. We encourage eligible local governments to apply for this relief.”
