By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
FORT PIERCE -- At a recent meeting, the Fort Pierce City Commission gave its unanimous approval to accept state and federal reimbursement for damages caused by Hurricane Isaac in 2012.
But about the same time, area officials heard their claims for damages caused by Hurricane Sandy were denied.
The two storms blew through about a month apart, with Hurricane Isaac in August and Hurricane Sandy in October.
Hurricane Isaac caused widespread damage throughout the county, and in Fort Pierce, was responsible for approximately $575,000 in costs that included debris removal, emergency protective measures and damages to roads, bridges and buildings.
Through a public assistance agreement, the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency resources will reimburse the city almost 88 percent of the costs. The money will be divided: 75 percent will be federal, 12.5 percent will be state and the city will match the other 12.5 percent.
"FEMA and state staffers have been here at city hall preparing the project worksheets that will guide the expenditures," said Jon Ward, director of urban development for the city.
But on the heels of this announcement came the news that FEMA denied the state for disaster assistance for any damages caused by Hurricane Sandy, which struck the area in October.
Gov. Rick Scott requested aid for a number of counties, including St. Lucie, which received damage to mosquito impoundment areas and beach erosion. The damage from Hurricane Sandy for St. Lucie was estimated to be approximately 4 million.