The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending $3.16 million to Lakeland to cover the costs of debris removal from Hurricane Irma, a Florida congressman announced this week.
U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, R-Fla., said on Tuesday that FEMA is sending the funds to compensate Lakeland’s expenses in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma which hit the area back in 2017. The money from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program will, according to Spano’s office “reimburse the city for the collection, reduction, disposal, and site management of debris following the hurricane.”
Spano called the funds “wonderful news for Lakeland” on Tuesday.
“This disastrous storm caused a great deal of destruction and trauma to our community. The funding is long overdue and I’m hoping it will help further restore some semblance of normalcy for the residents and businesses that operate here,” Spano said.
“Our city did an outstanding job of coming together to recover after Hurricane Irma, and I am confident that this funding will be a step forward for our rapidly growing community. The city of Lakeland is grateful to Congressman Spano for his help in securing this funding,” said Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
