FORT MYERS, Fla. Lee County commissioners declared the county a major disaster area Thursday.
The move, in response to Hurricane Irma devastation, puts the county’s emergency action plan into place and allows the county to proceed with emergency property repair. The county requested FEMA approval to remove debris on privately owned roads, as well as FEMA reimbursement to cover the costs of removal.
The declaration also creates an Emergency Review Board to oversee recovery efforts. The board has the authority to modify or waive some zoning requirements, The News-Press reports.