White House Approves Georgia's Request For Federal Assistance

ATLANTA, GA -- Gov. Nathan Deal received notice from the White House that Georgia’s request for federal aid has been approved, including individual assistance for six counties impacted by Hurricane Michael. Thirty-one counties have been approved for public assistance. Deal made the request for federal assistance on Friday, Oct. 12, and the request was granted on Sunday, Oct. 14.

“On behalf of Georgians, I’m tremendously grateful for the immediate attention and extremely quick assistance President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have given Georgia’s requests for federal aid, as well as the president’s concern for our citizens,” said Deal. “I look forward to welcoming President Trump to Georgia this afternoon as federal, state and local partners continue our efforts to work together and rebuild communities devastated by Hurricane Michael.

"This declaration will provide much-needed assistance in the most heavily impacted areas to help families and businesses recover as quickly as possible. I am also encouraged by the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in response and recovery efforts, including emergency management officials, first responders, recovery teams, law enforcement and citizens helping their neighbors.”

President Trump was to get his first look at the devastation left behind by Hurricane Michael on Monday. The president and first lady were planning to tour areas damaged by the storm in Florida and Georgia.
"Will be leaving for Florida and Georgia with the first lady to tour the hurricane damage and visit with FEMA, first responders and law enforcement," the president said on Twitter before departing Andrews Air Force Base. "Maximum effort is taking place, everyone is working very hard. Worst hit in 50 years."

Individual assistance makes funding available to individuals and households in the six following counties: Baker, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Miller and Seminole counties.

FEMA and the Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency are continuing to conduct individual assistance assessments in other counties, and the president may add additional counties for designation based upon the assessments. Individual assistance may 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 hurricane.

Public assistance includes assistance for emergency work and debris removal. The 31 counties approved for public assistance include: Baker, Bleckley, Burke, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Emanuel, Grady, Houston, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Pulaski, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Treutlen, Turner, Wilcox and Worth counties.

All counties in Georgia are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Michael Devastates Georgia's Agricultural Industry
• Girl Fatally Crushed By Carport During Hurricane Michael
• Hurricane Michael: Storm Brings Down Trees In Cherokee County
• Hurricane Michael In GA: Girl Dies, $2B Crop Loss

Patch Editor Paul Scicchitano contributed to this article.

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