On Sunday, President Donald Trump formalized his promise to give areas impacted by Hurricane Michael 45 days of 100 percent reimbursable debris pickup with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, sending formal notification of the relief to Florida's Congressional delegation.

PANAMA CITY — It's not real until it's in writing.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump formalized his promise to give areas impacted by Hurricane Michael 45 days of 100 percent reimbursable debris pickup with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, sending formal notification of the relief to Florida's Congressional delegation.

The initial announcement of the coming money had already been made and celebrated in press conference in Marianna with Gov. Ron DeSantis in January. Before the announcement, the government was offering five days of 100 percent reimbursement. The change is expected to save Bay County $85 million.

DeSantis, who touted his relationship with Trump during his campaign and who advocated for the 45-days, sent out a statement on Sunday.

“I thank President Trump for taking decisive action at this critical time that will result in transformational improvement to recovery efforts for the many counties impacted by this natural disaster,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Hurricane Michael survivors and all Floridians will be profoundly grateful. We thank President Trump for his unwavering commitment to the people of Northwest Florida.”

Unanimously, county leaders have said they are grateful for the relief as cash flow to cover the storm's cost has been a grave concern. The millions the measure will save has been a cause for relief.

Last week, several municipalities sent in their reimbursement grant requests for the first 45 days of debris removal and recovery expenses after Oct. 10. For Panama City, the total came out to $45 million and for Lynn Haven, the total is $9.9 million.

However, there is also hope that a little more relief might come.

After the 45 days of 100 percent reimbursement, debris removal costs will be split 75 percent for the federal government, 12.5 percent for the state, and 12.5 percent for the local municipalities. Local leaders are hoping to see the federal government pick up a larger portion of the bill, and their share drop as low as 5 percent.

So far, there has been no word on the likelihood of such a development.