WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration Thursday night in the wake of this month’s historic flooding in eastern Broward County.
The declaration, requested by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, opens up federal assistance to victims of the storm.
“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” a White House news release states.
Additionally, the White House said that funding “is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County.”
Federal funds were also made available for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
The funds “will provide the necessary resources to address the catastrophic flooding in Broward County,” U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Florida, said.
Fellow Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz thanked Biden for “his rapid response.”
Local 10 News spoke to residents in Fort Lauderdale’s hard-hit Edgewood neighborhood about the possibility of getting aid. Many were optimistic.
“It would help a great deal,” resident George Bottino. “We lost a lot.”
Resident Jenny Sims, who had expressed frustration at the response from government officials, said she was grateful for the push from Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, who traveled to Washington to ask for federal help.
“(The mayor) advocated for us when we couldn’t do it for ourselves,” Sims said. “So yes it’s great.”
Others were skeptical.
“I mean it’s a good thing, but you have to apply right, because if you do it wrong you’re not getting a cent,” Edgewood resident Eric Fulton said.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the storm can visit FEMA’s disaster assistance website or call 800-621-3362.