President Biden will unveil over $600 million in funding for enhancing the electric grid's robustness during his inspection of the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
Biden's journey to St. Petersburg aims to inspect the aftermath of Hurricane Milton's destruction. This visit follows other excursions he made earlier this month to the same state, alongside trips to Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where he surveyed areas devastated by Hurricane Helene.
The president, along with other leaders, has encouraged Congress to pass supplementary funds for disaster relief and small businesses, as the hurricanes, coupled with other extreme weather incidents, have swiftly depleted the government's relief funds for this year.
Biden is scheduled to announce a sum of $612 million, which comes at a time when approximately 1.5 million customers are grappling with power outages. This allocation features $94 million specifically for projects in Florida, with $47 million earmarked for Gainesville Regional Utilities and $47 million set aside for Switched Source to collaborate with Florida Power and Light.
The official released a statement on Saturday, stating, "These investments typify the President's long-term dedication to safeguarding, enhancing, and modernizing our nation's electric grid, particularly during extreme weather events."
These funds will be disbursed under the Department of Energy’s Energy Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program.
Presidential visits to disaster-stricken areas are generally apolitical, serving to demonstrate unity between federal and state governments. However, with Biden no longer vying for the 2024 presidency, this unification is enhanced.
Biden has consistently engaged with Republican leaders, including Florida and Georgia governors and conservative lawmakers in storm-affected regions. Praise is frequently exchanged between the federal and local levels.
Biden has commended state and local officials for their efforts to curb the spread of baseless rumors and misinformation. Leaders warn that this deceit has led to threats against relief workers and prevented residents from seeking essential aid.
Addressing "hardline" Republicans in affected regions, Biden said on Friday, "They're standing up and stating, 'It must cease.'"
The harmony of bipartisanship hasn't translated as swiftly for Vice President Kamala Harris. She too has been touring disaster sites and engaging with state and local officials. However, a feud erupted between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Harris, following reports of DeSantis's indifference towards Harris's calls. DeSantis retorted that he has been in touch with Biden and that, as vice president, Harris holds no authority over the federal government's response.
Biden met with Senator Rick Scott, a staunch conservative and close ally of former President Donald Trump, during his previous trip to Florida. Despite political differences, the two managed to put aside politics to tour the storm-ravaged area of Keaton Beach.
Biden did not interact with DeSantis during his recent visit to Florida, instead, DeSantis held a press conference four hours south of where Biden conducted his tour.
In response to a question on Friday about visiting DeSantis during his latest trip, Biden answered, "If he's available," while describing the governor as "helpful."
"We had a great relationship," Biden said.
Despite politics often dividing leaders, Biden and Senator Rick Scott, a prominent Republican, showed unity during their shared tour of Keaton Beach after Hurricane Helene. Moreover, Biden expressed his openness to meeting with Governor DeSantis if he's available, highlighting the need for bipartisan collaboration in disaster relief efforts.
