Lee County given 'any and all tools' to fight FEMA decision

Several options are being discussed, including an appeal and hiring a consultant top go plead the county's case in Washington, D.C.

By Louis Llovio
| 2:00 p.m. April 2, 2024
| 0 Free Articles Remaining!

Driving down Estero Boulevard, the main road that runs the length of Fort Myers Beach, the widespread destruction that Hurricane Ian wrought is still on full display.

Charlotte–Lee–Collier

Lee County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday morning to empower its staff to look at options to reverse a Federal Emergency Management Agency decision that will raise flood insurance rates for some residents by 25%.

Commissioners, in responding to FEMA downgrading the county’s National Flood Insurance Program rating status that qualified it for a discount, voted to allow the county’s administration to respond to allegations it failed to meet compliance requirements that led to it being stripped of its previous rating.

The goal of the resolution is “getting to an appeal and getting this overturned,” says Commissioner Brian Hamman who represents District 4. That includes the possibility of hiring a consultant to help the county, pursuing legal action and traveling to Washington, D.C., to plead its case in person.