Gov. Scott Directs DEP to Expedite Additional Marine Debris Clean-Up in Monroe County Waterways

Press Release

Governor Rick Scott today announced that, at his direction, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with assistance from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), has signed an agreement with Monroe County to assist in the clean-up and removal of marine debris caused by Hurricane Irma. Following the significant and widespread damage caused by Hurricane Irma, Monroe County expended its available funding resources for clean-up activities. The state has now agreed to cover the costs of debris removal to ensure that this important marine debris clean-up work can begin immediately since the local government has used all available funding. The state will be reimbursed by the county once Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements are received. Under the agreement, DEP will provide $6 million and immediately begin overseeing the cleanup of marine debris in impacted canals and nearshore waters in Monroe County. The county will provide local coordination for the clean-up effort and FDEM will assist the county in applying for reimbursements from FEMA.

Governor Scott said, "Since Hurricane Irma impacted our state, communities across Florida have been working tirelessly to clean-up and recover from this destructive storm. The Florida Keys undoubtedly experienced significant damage when the storm made landfall at Cudjoe Key. We're doing everything we can to help Monroe County and the Florida Keys as they continue to recover from Irma and I am proud to direct DEP to enter this agreement and immediately get to work removing debris. In Florida, we know that our pristine environment is a big part of what drives our booming tourism industry and this is especially true for the Florida Keys."

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