Lee County narrows CDBG‑DR match reservations to FEMA awards and moves two fire station projects forward

Lee County staff told the board on April 21 that delays in FEMA hazard mitigation grant program (HMGP) awards and limits on the HUD CDBG‑DR grant period mean the county should limit reserved match funds to projects awarded by May 1.

"These applications were made in 2023 to FEMA…and because FEMA has been much delayed in making these awards…we recommend limiting the reservation of DR funding for HMGP match to those applications that are awarded by FEMA by May 1," the county presenter said. Staff said applicants would be asked to provide feasibility information by May 18 so the board could consider funding options and awards in June.

The board approved that direction by voice vote. Commissioners asked whether there would be flexibility for individual cases and staff said further HUD extensions could be requested but schedule constraints make the cutoff necessary to plan remaining uses of CDBG‑DR funds.

Separately, staff recommended and the board approved immediate increases in CDBG‑DR funding for two fire district projects (identified as Santael Fire and Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District projects) because active bids were about to expire. Staff said withholding consideration until June could have jeopardized those bids; the board moved the items forward to keep the projects under contract and on track for construction.

Staff will return to the board in June with an accounting of awarded HMGP projects, recommended options for any remaining CDBG‑DR funds, and specific grant awards for eligible projects.

This summary is based on staff presentations and board action on April 21, 2026.