COVID-19 MITIGATION BANKING INDUSTRY UPDATE
To the Florida Mitigation Banking Community:
I hope this finds each of you safe and well during this time. The Florida Association of Mitigation Bankers strives to be a source of reliable information as changes occur throughout the mitigation banking industry. As such, we want you to know that we are closely monitoring the effects of the COVID-19 situation and its direct impacts on our industry. The FAMB Board members are in frequent contact with the Corps, FDEP, and each Water Management District. We have been informed that all agency staff have been directed to work from home. Please understand that they are unable to have access to their phone and can best be reached via email. While each Water Management District is currently conducting site visits, due to travel restrictions, USACE and FDEP have postponed site visits until further notice. We are working closely with these agencies to develop alternative plans should this situation continue for an extensive amount of time. Permits and permit modifications are still being processed, however, they ask for your patience in these current circumstances while technology and family-care issues are addressed. Additionally, initial reports from some of the larger mitigation credit users, such as FDOT, utilities, and home builders, indicate that most are staff are working remotely and projects are still progressing in the permitting process, although we do anticipate some delays with certain projects.
In an effort to support our community during this time, we are asking that you join with us as we seek to assist students and school districts that are currently facing challenges related to distance learning and are in need of financial and/or technical assistance to ensure quality at-home learning experiences. We are currently collecting donations for the Florida Education Foundation through April 30th with a goal of $25,000.
If you are interested in donating, please send a check made out to FAMB (noting it is for the FFE donation) to:
Attn: Desmond Duke
21346 Saint Andrews Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Please be assured that we continue to collaborate with the regulatory agencies to find solutions to issues facing our industry such as financial assurances and service areas. Although this first email was sent to the entire Florida banking community, it is our goal to keep FAMB members updated on any changes as they develop. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about our membership or have any questions or concerns. Stay safe and well!
Kind Regards,
Kae Hovater
President
Florida Association of Mitigation Bankers
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