The Floridant - Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Million to Lee County Through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of a $25 million bridge loan to Lee County through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's (DEO) Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program. This program was created in a Special Legislative Session earlier this year to support government operations that may have been impacted by hurricanes Ian or Nicole. The funds bridge the gap for local governments while they await federal relief or for their revenues to recover after a natural disaster.

The Governor's announcement adds to the $11.9 million he awarded to the Town of Fort Myers Beach through the same program, bringing the total awarded in this program to nearly $37 million. Governor DeSantis expressed his pride in announcing Lee County as the second local government to receive a Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan, and thanked the Florida Legislature for working quickly to implement this program.

Acting Secretary Meredith Ivey of DEO praised Governor DeSantis' bold leadership in response and recovery efforts following hurricanes Ian and Nicole, deploying every available resource to help Floridians and communities in their recovery efforts. She encouraged eligible local governments to apply for this relief.

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Senate President Kathleen Passidomo also commented on Governor DeSantis' commitment to Southwest Florida, noting that during the Special Session they authored the Bridge Loan Program together in order to help communities like Lee County continue their operations. The loans are provided interest-free.

The Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan is a one-time $50 million appropriation to fund governmental operations within eligible Florida counties and municipalities between the time of the hurricane and when additional funding sources or revenues are secured. Counties and municipalities located in FEMA disaster declarations for hurricanes Ian or Nicole may apply, provided they demonstrate substantial loss of tax or other revenues and need financial assistance for governmental operations.

DEO is accepting applications on a rolling basis until available funds are exhausted, with eligible applicants encouraged to submit required documentation via email at LocalGovernmentBridge@DEO.MyFlorida.com . For more information about the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org/LocalGovernmentBridge .

Today's announcement from Governor Ron DeSantis marks another demonstration of his ongoing commitment towards helping local governments like Lee County while they continue their recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian, with nearly $37 million awarded through DEO's Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program so far this year alone.

Filed Under: Government, State

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