FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 24, 2004
CONTACT: Lisa Douglass, (239) 825-5178

DEP Opens Temporary Facilities in Punta Gorda

--Office relocates to Charlotte County Airport after Hurricane damage-

PUNTA GORDA - The Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Punta Gorda Branch Office reopened today in a temporary location after Hurricane Charley destroyed the building in August. The temporary location at the Charlotte County Airport will support full office operations inside two portable trailers.

“The Airport Authority's efforts to provide temporary housing for our Punta Gorda staff, in light of the significant damage they experienced from Hurricane Charley, have been outstanding,” said DEP South District Acting Director Jon Iglehart. “The temporary offices will allow us to continue to provide environmental protection and services to Charlotte, Highlands and Glades counties.”

Edison Community College in Punta Gorda is also providing temporary space for DEP chemists to continue operations until a permanent facility can be constructed. Serving Charlotte, Highlands and Glades counties, the Punta Gorda Office carries out the Department’s Environmental Resource Permitting program, which ensures that dredging, filling and construction in wetlands does not degrade water quality or wildlife habitat.

To aid hurricane restoration, environmental specialists will be conducting field permitting in the three-county area under a Consolidated Emergency Final Order signed this month by DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. The emergency authorization applies to governments, businesses and property owners in the storm-impacted counties, accelerating rebuilding of damaged structures.

Field authorizations are required to replace destroyed structures; alter mangroves; restore uplands, wetlands and submerged lands unless conducted by a local, regional or State government; and for other DEP-authorized activities not specified in the Order.

Citizens can contact DEP’s Punta Gorda Branch Office at (941) 575-5814.

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