West Florida News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has introduced the Clean Up Disasters and Emergencies with Better Recovery and Immediate Support (DEBRIS) Act to ensure that privately owned communities receive the same assistance from FEMA as other homeowners in the aftermath of major disasters.

The legislation aims to provide debris removal assistance to common interest communities, such as housing cooperatives, condominiums, and mobile homes that are part of an association. These communities often face significant challenges in dealing with excessive debris after a disaster, and Rep. Steube wants to eliminate the need for waivers or special approval from FEMA.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Rep. Steube's office worked tirelessly to advocate for FEMA assistance on behalf of communities in his district. They were able to secure policy waivers to help commercial mobile home and manufactured housing parks receive federal assistance for debris removal. However, Rep. Steube believes that this process should be streamlined and made accessible to all privately owned communities without the need for waivers.

"This bill will provide a swift correction to a long, burdensome government process that communities shouldn't be forced to navigate during storm recovery," said Rep. Steube. He wants to ensure that vulnerable populations in homes that are most susceptible to storms and disasters have access to the necessary support and assistance.

Rich Collins, Sarasota County Government Director of Emergency Services, expressed support for the Clean Up DEBRIS Act, highlighting the importance of providing quick assistance to manufactured home communities. Collins emphasized that these communities often lack the insurance or capability to handle the magnitude of debris removal and support needed for their residents. He believes that this legislation would ultimately contribute to faster recovery for these communities.

The Clean Up DEBRIS Act mandates that FEMA issue rules for the removal of debris or wreckage from real estate owned by residential common interest communities following a major disaster. It recognizes the importance of debris removal for public safety, public health, and the economic recovery of the community. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for the repair of essential common elements of condominiums, cooperatives, and mobile homes damaged by a disaster.

Rep. Steube's efforts to secure policy waivers from FEMA after Hurricane Ian have highlighted the need for a more efficient and inclusive process for debris removal assistance. The Clean Up DEBRIS Act aims to address this issue and ensure that privately owned communities have the necessary support to recover from major disasters.

By providing equal access to FEMA assistance, this legislation prioritizes the well-being and recovery of all homeowners, including those residing in common interest communities. The Clean Up DEBRIS Act represents a significant step towards streamlining the government process and providing swift assistance to communities in need.

To learn more, click on this link: https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-greg-steube-introduces-the-clean-up-debris-act/