DeSantis: State will contribute supplies for post-Ian rebuilding efforts

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a $25 million program on Monday to provide building materials for people whose homes suffered damage during Hurricane Ian.

“This includes materials such as sheetrock, studs, doors, drywall, and other materials needed go get a home into a condition that will allow a displaced resident to return safely while they complete permanent repairs on their home,” he said during a news conference in Punta Gorda.

The state will deploy the money through nonprofit agencies including Team Rubicon, which is supported by military veterans, and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, the governor said.

Another $35.2 million from the Florida Disaster Fund will support the state’s home-repair program and fill other needs of people who suffered storm damage. First Lady Casey DeSantis spearheaded a fundraising drive beginning before Ian landed to support the disaster fund.

The state is also supplying RVs to people who can’t move back into their homes yet and aren’t eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency direct-housing assistance, he said.

“Not only do we think that that would be filling a need, we also think we can do it quicker and more efficiently than FEMA,” the governor said.

DeSantis did not take questions from reporters.

Officials positioned the first trailer on Pine Island in Charlotte County on Sunday and it would be ready for someone to move in on Monday, pending issuance of a county permit, state Emergency Director Kevin Guthrie said.

First in line are people in storm shelters, veterans, and people with disabilities and special needs, Guthrie said.

The place to go to apply for these programs is ianrecovery.fl.gov or 1-800-892-0948.

Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida on Sept. 28 with 150 mph winds and then made a second landfall in the Carolinas, causing damage estimated at between $53 billion and $74 billion. NBC News has estimated the number of deaths at at least 148 people.