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Washington County leaders weigh legal options after FEMA deobligation for Hurricane Michael debris work
Summary
Commissioners heard that FEMA has deobligated millions for a Hurricane Michael debris project; staff outlined administrative appeals, potential federal litigation and uncertain financial impacts on future storm reimbursements.
Washington County commissioners were told Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has deobligated part of a Hurricane Michael debris cleanup project, leaving the county with unresolved claims and the prospect of legal action.
County FEMA coordinator (staff) told commissioners that FEMA initially obligated about $4.0 million for the project, later approved an amendment toward $7.0 million, then reversed course and declined the larger allocation. The county’s contractors performed some work; the coordinator said roughly $4.5 million has been spent to date and FEMA is challenging the county’s “legal responsibility” for certain ditch and non-navigable-waterway cleanups.
The difference between the obligated amounts and…
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