Funding for the plan totaling $220 million was allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
According to the county, about $191 million has been earmarked for unmet needs, and $29 million will go toward mitigation efforts to address community impacts and damages associated with the hurricane.
However, before any funding is used, the county is asking for public input on the plan until Jan. 11. Once all feedback is reviewed, the board of county commissioners will work on and formally submit an updated action plan that considers resident feedback.
The CDBG-DR plan includes technology-related initiatives such as:
- Establishing a strategic data-driven approach for funding to help avoid continuous disparities and reduce inequalities in communities as they recover from Hurricane Ian
- Using a hazard and vulnerability assessment tool to determine the overall risks of hazards faced by communities
- Implementing better detection technologies and emergency notification systems to assess hurricanes, tornadoes and tropical storms and systems
- Using geospatial information systems and probability statistics to predict future sinkholes
- Reinforcing the county’s cybersecurity to mitigate potential vulnerabilities during weather-related events
- Protecting water quality through innovative technologies and conducting integrated water management audits at county facilities
More information, including important dates, community meetings and other efforts in the action plan, can be found online.
