Matt McCullough, Communications Director (202) 225-5235

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Steve Southerland, II today applauded Governor Rick Scott’s announcement that the State of Florida has received approval for a $2.7 million National Emergency Grant (NEG) through the U.S. Department of Labor providing temporary employment for the Franklin County oystermen and fishermen devastated by the impact of Tropical Storm Debby.

“North Florida’s oyster harvesters have experienced incredible economic hardship due to natural conditions that are far beyond their control,” Southerland said.  “Apalachicola Bay’s oystermen and fishermen are a rich part of our Florida heritage, and this desperately-needed disaster aid will go a long way in restoring our coastal economies and keeping these hardworking families on the water and in business.”

National Emergency Grants provide funding for a temporary expansion of training and employment programs at the state and local level in response to unforeseen economic events and natural disasters.  Southerland joined Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson, and Florida Reps. Jeff Miller and Richard Nugent last September in authoring a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce requesting a fishery disaster declaration for Apalachicola Bay’s oyster harvesters. 

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