Senator Moody Calls on President to Approve Florida’s Request for Expedited Emergency Declaration Following Major Flooding Event

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senator Ashley Moody is calling on President Trump to swiftly approve Florida's request for an expedited emergency declaration following the major flooding that occurred in large swaths of the state last week. The effort supports Governor DeSantis's request for federal disaster assistance in nine Florida counties: Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie.

"Following the major rain event we saw last week, many Florida homes were flooded, roads were washed out, and communities are still struggling to recover. We must act quickly to get help to those who need it most. I'm calling on the administration to approve the state's request for federal disaster assistance, and I will continue working with President Trump and state officials to ensure Florida families have the resources they need to recover and rebuild," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

• From November 1 through November 3, a historic rainfall event brought widespread flash flooding to portions of Florida, with some areas of Brevard County receiving an estimated 25 to 30 inches of rain. The severe flooding inundated homes, damaged infrastructure, closed roadways, and prompted emergency rescues. In Brevard County alone, more than 2,000 residents reported flooding impacts to their homes.
• Governor DeSantis's request for expedited emergency declaration seeks individual assistance, federal assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, direct federal assistance, and funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
• Read the Congressional letter here.
• The disaster comes as Florida continues recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias. Following Isaias, Senator Moody was on the ground working with state and federal officials to get aid to those in need as quickly as possible.
• This effort is the latest in Senator Moody's ongoing work to help Floridians recover from disasters. Senator Moody recently announced she has secured more than $2.5 billion in FEMA disaster funds for Florida communities affected by previous disasters.

• Senator Moody introduced the TRACK Act (Transparency in Recovery Assistance & Claims Knowledge Act) to bring more transparency to the FEMA disaster aid process, which has now been passed into law.
  • The TRACK Act mandates a status tracker on the FEMA website, so victims of a disaster have easily available knowledge and insight of their claim's progress.
• If Floridians need help with federal agencies in the aftermath of the recent flooding or Isaias, Senator Moody's office can assist-visit Moody.Senate.Gov to learn more.

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