President Obama earlier today named Nassau County one of eight counties in the State of Florida to receive federal dollars in a Major Disaster Declaration.
Nassau County, FL – Nassau County Director of Emergency Management Billy Estep says initial estimates on the costs to the county from Hurricane Matthew at $10 million and will likely climb as more detailed information is compiled throughout the county.
President Obama earlier today named Nassau County one of eight counties in the State of Florida to receive federal dollars in a Major Disaster Declaration. Federal assistance to the county for “protective action”, which includes the costs of a mandatory evacuation of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island and similar costs and dollars to recover the costs of debris collection. A decision for additional federal dollars is pending.
Estep says damage from the storm was far less than projected only hours before the storm impacted Nassau after making its way up the coast of Florida. Matthew’s path took a more westerly track as it approached Nassau County and dropped to a Category 2 hurricane.
Most damage reports to structures were to private homes on the Island as a result of trees falling on houses. There were numerous power lines down, as well, and Estep says beach erosion will impact the Island not just for beachfront homes, but to tourists in the long term.
Estep says Nassau citizens should be aware of debris collection guidelines from FEMA. Those guidelines are posted on Nassau County’s EM website and Facebook page (Nassau EM). Homeowners are responsible for making sure all debris is placed curbside. The county will not pick up debris that is NOT curbside, regardless of the debris category.
Nasau County will establish a Disaster Recovery Center in coordination with FEMA this coming week and will announce the location as soon as tomorrow. The DRC will provide a central location for Nassau citizens to receive help filing for uninsured individual federal assistance and other grant programs in place to assist individuals.
