DeSantis Sends Request to Biden for Major Disaster Declaration

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Sep. 28, 2022, 5:12 p.m. ET | Updated Sep. 28, 2022

Source: Gov. Ron DeSantis Office

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis requested President Joe Biden grant a Major Disaster Declaration for all 67 counties Wednesday afternoon.

The Major Disaster Declaration provides federal assistance programs for people and provides money for emergency and permanent work and public infrastructure.

The governor also requested Biden grant FEMA the ability to provide 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures for the first 60 days from landfall (FEMA Categories A and B). President Biden is the only one who can authorize the FEMA grant.

“Widespread, life-threatening and catastrophic flash, urban, and river flooding is expected across central and northeast Florida through Wednesday, September 29, and the coming days,” DeSantis’ letter to Biden said.

DeSantis said the situation “is of such severity” that effective response “is beyond the capability of the state and affected local governments.”

The FEMA Category A grant helps with the removal of debris following a storm. It includes anything that eliminates the immediate threat to lives or public health and safety, and wreckage produced while conducting emergency work.

Category B funds emergency protective measures before, during and after a disaster. This includes warnings of risks and hazards, search and rescue efforts, emergency evacuations, food and water provisions at central distribution points and emergency mass care.