Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis heads to Washington to secure assistance
FORT LAUDERDALE - Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis has one mission as heads to Washington, D.C.
That mission is to ask for federal assistance for those affected by historic floods that devastated entire neighborhoods in his city.
More than 800 homes in Fort Lauderdale had a foot and a half of floodwater rush in after that record-breaking rainstorm on April 12th.
Many had no flood insurance and have been hoping for a FEMA disaster designation so they can apply for grants.
Trantalis is headed to Washington for a Thursday meeting at the White House to seal the deal.
"I can scream help a little louder," he says.
Even the Fort Lauderdale city hall was flooded. The building is closed indefinitely after 8 feet of water affected all the infrastructure in the basement.
Once the FEMA designation is made, flood victims may be able to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses like water removal, household items and hotel costs.
"Save your receipts and document the damage in your home, so the water line is established," the city manager says.
Once the designation happens the city will set up a process where flood-impacted residents can sign up for aid.
