Congresswoman Gwen Graham

Representing the 2nd District of Florida

FEMA Expands Assistance to Rural Counties

November 3, 2016
Press Release

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Following requests from Representative Gwen Graham, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administration (FEMA) is expanding individual assistance for those affected by Hurricane Hermine to Taylor and Wakulla counties. Previously, Leon was the only county in the Second Congressional District eligible for individual assistance.

“I want to thank the administration and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate for extending assistance to North Florida’s rural counties. Now all those affected by Hurricane Hermine will be able to receive the assistance they deserve,” Rep. Graham said. “Our office is ready to help them cut through any bureaucratic red tape to access this new aid.”

Rep. Graham’s office has set up a website with recovery information and details on individual assistance and other forms of aid at https://graham.house.gov/storm.

The expansion of individual assistance follows a letter Rep. Graham sent to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate requesting he expand the designation to Florida’s rural counties on September 28. The full text of Representative Graham’s request is below:

September 28, 2016


The Honorable W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC  20024

Dear Administrator Fugate:

I write today regarding the recent issuance of a major disaster declaration for the State of Florida triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from Hurricane Hermine that occurred August 31 to September 11, 2016.

In addition to the counties included in the initial September 28 declaration, Governor Rick Scott included Franklin, Taylor, and Wakulla counties for individual assistance. As you continue to make designations for all affected counties, I encourage you to expedite these requests so that people can get the assistance they need.

Floridians are still cleaning up from this disaster – people in counties that were included in the initial designation and those in counties still under federal review. It is important to all of us that all designations are made as quickly as possible. Thank you for your commitment to get this done.
                                                            
Sincerely,

Gwen Graham


###