Hurricane Recovery Grant Program gives Lee Health a $4.3 Million grant

Hurricane Recovery Grant Program gives Lee Health a $4.3 Million grant

Lee Health received a $4.3 million grant from the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s Hurricane Recovery Grant Program. Governor DeSantis awarded the grant to support post-Hurricane Ian recovery efforts and improve the health system’s water well infrastructure. This infrastructure is crucial for accessing, managing, and delivering water resources to support essential healthcare services.

The total project cost is estimated at $14.7 million, which includes fifteen total wells, including those at the new hospital campus to be constructed on Challenger Blvd. Progress has already started at several sites.

Lee Health facilities received water deliveries after Hurricane Ian due to infrastructure damage. To ensure independence from external water sources during disasters, wells will be added to each hospital campus.

Lee Health is committed to seeking additional funding to support the additional cost, exploring opportunities for supplementary grant dollars and other forms of support to ensure the completion of this critical project.

Progress is underway at the Lee Health facilities already, planning for the locations of the wells at each hospital. Positioning the wells and full construction will occur at each location throughout the coming months.

“Our hospitals emerged from Hurricane Ian in remarkable condition, with the most significant issue being water infrastructure,” said Larry Antonucci, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Lee Health. “The new wells safeguard the health and safety of our patients and staff, especially during challenging times like post-disaster recovery. In the event of another major emergency, an enhanced well infrastructure will serve as a lifeline, ensuring uninterrupted access to water for patients and staff. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to strengthen our infrastructure and continue to provide exceptional care to the Southwest Florida community in the face of future challenges.”

Lee Health extends its appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this major achievement, including Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Emergency Management, under the leadership of Kevin Guthrey, for their instrumental role in ensuring the availability of grant funds for this crucial purpose, and Senator Jonathan Martin and Representative Tiffany Esposito, whose original appropriations paved the way for this grant.

For more information, please visit LeeHealth.org . ¦

The post Hurricane Recovery Grant Program gives Lee Health a $4.3 Million grant first appeared on Fort Myers Florida Weekly .