Aug 29, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Diane Holm, Public Information Officer, 239-533-3710, cell 357-3540

Flood waters continue to create an unsafe situation for hundreds of residents in the Bonita Springs area of Lee County due to a mixture of bacteria and chemicals. Standing water is slowly beginning to recede, but displaced residents are still being told to stay away from their neighborhoods because they can only access their homes through the contaminated standing water.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials along with Florida Emergency Management officials, Bonita Springs and Lee County inspectors will visit all affected areas Saturday to assess the damage caused by Tropical Storm Fay. They will look for buildings and homes with interior damage as well as road and bridge damage from the flooding.

The assessment will determine if disaster survivors will be eligible for individual assistance under a Presidential major disaster declaration.  Such assistance could include grants to meet unmet needs, rental assistance, low interest loans and temporary housing assistance. It can also include reimbursement for public assistance provided by the county, municipalities and other government agencies.
Once the assessment is complete they will tabulate the data and submit a report to the county by early next week.

Residents and visitors should stay away from the flooded areas for their own safety and to prevent further damage to buildings and roads until after the FEMA report is released. Lee County remains under a State of Local Emergency.

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