Commissioners approve 2026 federal agenda as staff and lobbyist urge focus on FEMA reform and veterans clinic transport

Charlotte County commissioners unanimously approved a modified 2026 federal legislative agenda on Feb. 10 after a briefing from Thorn Run Partners’ federal advocate Greg Burns.

Burns told the board that FEMA had released roughly $37,000,000 in reimbursements to the county for impacts from Hurricane Ian. He warned, however, that proposed FEMA reforms under discussion in Washington could raise the per‑capita disaster threshold (historically about $1.89 per person) to a figure Burns described as $7.56 per person, which would make it harder for states to qualify for federal disaster relief after smaller storms. Burns said other proposals under review could limit Category G reimbursements (recreational facilities such as beach nourishment) and pause new Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) allocations, potentially reducing future federal funding the county seeks.

Burns also flagged the federal five‑year offshore leasing plan that would open consideration of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico to leases; Charlotte County submitted comments opposing expansion closer to Florida’s coast, and he noted the county’s congressional delegation has pushed back.

Commissioners discussed whether to remove items already completed from the federal agenda. Chair and staff noted that the Veterans Affairs clinic relocation to Northport appears to be awarded and that staff confirmed funding exists to provide transport for county veterans; Commissioner Truax and others nonetheless argued to keep the item to continue exploring partial local access or part‑time service at the existing Port Charlotte facility. Burns said transportation to the Northport site remains a possible area for federal advocacy.

The board directed staff to edit the transportation study language for local interchange operational studies (Kings Highway at I‑75) and otherwise approved the agenda as modified. Commissioners emphasized coordination with the county’s Tallahassee and Washington contacts and agreed continued outreach to the delegation would remain a priority.