🌪️ Volusia County Seeks Public Input on $133M Hurricane Recovery Plan

Volusia County is asking for community input as it finalizes a major recovery plan following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Milton in October 2024. With $133.5 million in federal grant funding now available, the county is shaping a strategy to help residents rebuild stronger — and your voice matters.

🏗️ What Is the $133M For?

The funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are being managed through the county’s Transform386 program, which focuses on long-term disaster recovery and resilience.

According to Dona Butler, Director of the Office of Recovery and Resiliency, the money will be used to:

Restore critical infrastructure
Repair and replace damaged homes
Launch buyout and hazard mitigation programs
Provide federal matching funds for programs like Elevate Florida
Revitalize the local economy

📊 Where Will the Money Go?

Per the proposed Action Plan:

47% will be allocated to infrastructure
30% will go toward housing recovery
13% is reserved for disaster mitigation
10% will support planning and administration

Importantly, at least 70% of the total funds must benefit low-to-moderate-income households, in accordance with HUD guidelines.

📣 Why Public Feedback Matters

HUD requires that local governments gather community input before finalizing their recovery spending. Volusia County hosted a public hearing in March and is encouraging residents to submit comments on the plan before it is sent to HUD for final approval.

Dona Butler emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement:

“While we use data and public meetings to guide our planning, we want to make sure residents have a clear understanding of what we’re doing — and a chance to weigh in.”

📅 Key Deadline

🗓️ Submit comments by:
Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM

💻 How to submit:
Visit the Transform386 website or email: transform386@volusia.org

🔜 What’s Next?

Once public comments are reviewed, the Action Plan will go before the Volusia County Council in early May. If approved, the plan will be forwarded to HUD for final signoff — allowing implementation to begin.

Butler acknowledged that while the funding is substantial, delays in federal disbursement have caused understandable frustration:

“They’re excited about the money coming, but they’re also frustrated. It takes a long time to get the money from HUD here.”

Still, this funding marks a major step forward for rebuilding efforts and long-term resilience in Volusia County.

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