Over $29 million spent to rebuild Fort Myers after Hurricane Yan; 50% refunded so far by FEMA

FORT MYERS, Florida. The City of Fort Myers used more than $29 million of its budget to cover needs related to Hurricane Ian. In the last week, FEMA has refunded 50% of this amount, which is very important because the city talks a lot. of this money was to be taken from future activities and investments.

“The city is on a very tight budget, we don’t have a lot of funds that are being made available because of something as big as an emergency, like what happened with the hurricane, that requires us to raise funds,” says Liz Bello -Matthews, public relations representative. Information Technology Officer of the City of Fort Myers.

The money that went into emergency cleanups in various parts of the city just after Hurricane Yan along with labor, staff, contractors… I know where the money went,” says Liz.

Immediately, the City had to document everything and send it to FEMA for approval, which they recently got 50% back.

Here’s a breakdown of those numbers when it comes to over $29 million spent:

– City submitted 2 fast track projects to FEMA for a total of $29,101,032.29.
– Disposal of Category A trash for a total of $13,662,985.48.
– City recently received half from FEMA, $6,831,492.74.
– Category B emergency protective measures totaling $15,438,046.81.

This includes all non-wreckage work done immediately after the storm. The city recently received half from FEMA in the amount of $7,430,438.67.

Based on two city projects, the city received a total of $14,261,931.41 from FEMA. To receive the remaining 50%, the city submits documents and reports.

The reason fast track projects are unique is because FEMA is returning 50% of the estimated costs of these projects because they know how badly these funds are needed to help jurisdictions recover faster.

“We were very meticulous and documented everything we put together and everything we presented, so we really feel like we delivered the package they got to give us what they need so they can provide additional funding.”

Bello-Matthews informed me that the city will receive the remaining 50% after FEMA approves the rest of the documentation sent by the city. They hope to get the rest back within the next 6 months.