GA Declared A Disaster State After Idalia, Will Get Federal Funding

GEORGIA — President Joe Biden declared Georgia a major disaster area Thursday, allowing federal aid to support state and local recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia.

Idalia hit southern Georgia on Aug. 30 after battering parts of Florida, causing widespread damage in multiple counties and forcing several days of cleanup for the region. The storm left one person dead, and thousands without power.

Federal funding is now available to the Georgia government and to Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties. The assistance is making way for relief efforts that will benefit nonprofits and the community with debris removal and emergency protective measures.

"Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster," read Biden's news release.

The funding will go toward "hazard mitigation measures" throughout Georgia, the release said. Additional counties could receive funding as assessments continue.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance here, by calling (800) 621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.