EC Georgia News

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen joined forces with U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, along with several U.S. Representatives from Georgia, to support Governor Brian Kemp's request for federal disaster assistance following Hurricane Helene. The bipartisan group is urging Congressional leaders to approve approximately $12 billion in federal supplemental disaster appropriations for Georgia.

In their letter, the lawmakers stated: "On behalf of our farmers, families, and communities beginning the long road to recovery, we urge you to quickly produce a disaster supplemental funding package that includes this vitally important funding for Georgia’s households, businesses, essential infrastructure, agricultural economy, and more."

Hurricane Helene had a significant impact on Georgia, leaving over 1 million residents without power and issuing 300 boil water advisories across the state. The storm damaged more than 200,000 homes and displaced thousands of families. The state's agriculture and forestry sectors were severely affected as well; one-third of Georgia's pecan and cotton crops were destroyed along with over 100 poultry houses. Additionally, 1.5 million acres of timber suffered damage or destruction. Tragically, the hurricane resulted in the loss of 225 lives nationwide, including 34 Georgians.

The letter also highlighted FEMA's efforts: "To date, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided over $243 million in individual and household assistance to Georgians in need and continues to operate numerous disaster recovery and assistance centers across the state." The lawmakers expressed appreciation for those aiding in recovery but emphasized that further support is necessary: "We applaud the public servants and community leaders who have helped Georgia along its first steps towards recovery, but we know that more needs to be done, especially for our farmers and rural communities."

The full letter can be accessed through a provided link.