Residents press Lee County to keep CDBG‑DR hurricane recovery funds focused on housing; county staff outlines application process

A broad group of Hurricane Ian survivors and housing advocates urged Lee County commissioners on May 6 to prioritize federal CDBG‑DR hurricane recovery dollars for housing and to create stronger survivor oversight of fund allocations.

Speakers described ongoing housing needs, denials from insurers and federal programs, and asked that money allocated for housing activities not be diverted to infrastructure. Rick Seichert of the Lee County Disaster Survivors Association said more than $100 million in CDBG‑DR funds remained from Hurricane Ian and should be used for housing — buyouts, "fair market value" reimbursements for titles surrendered after storm damage, affordable housing for renters and temporary housing assistance. "There was over $100,000,000 of CDBG‑DR funds remaining from Hurricane Ian relief allocated to Lee County from the federal government which should be used for housing not unspecified infrastructure expenses," Seichert said.

Survivor Tara Boyd described losing her home in the storm and urged a triage system that places the most vulnerable survivors first. "We want to be made whole again," Boyd said, requesting market‑value reimbursements, renter assistance, and extensions for occupants in temporary units.

County staff explained the program mechanics and outreach. A staff member said the LeeCares individual housing assistance application window for Hurricanes Helene and Milton is open and that the county had received just shy of 300 pre‑applications to date. The staff member described targeted outreach (digital billboards, bus wraps, partnerships with Goodwill and direct contact lists) and said the county is ready to move projects forward once the HUD grant agreement is received; he emphasized the county was awaiting final HUD paperwork.

Speakers urged clearer documentation of public comments in meeting minutes and more meaningful public engagement during plan development. The League of Women Voters speaker asked that funds assigned to housing remain in housing programs and asked that public comments be documented comprehensively rather than summarized.

Several speakers asked the board to oppose amendments that reallocate housing dollars toward infrastructure. One commenter noted the county's action plan would move approximately $82 million from housing to infrastructure and urged the board to retain housing allocations and to open new RFPs for single‑family housing.

County staff said the community outreach and application processes are ongoing and directed residents to the county website to apply; staff also confirmed in‑person assistance was available through an outreach center and by phone.