President Biden approves emergency declaration for Georgia due to Hurricane Helene

Federal assistance will support Georgia's state and local response efforts for Hurricane Helene relief.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has approved the state of emergency in Georgia in response to Hurricane Helene, authorizing Federal assistance to support state and local efforts. The emergency declaration, effective from September 24, 2024, allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief aimed at alleviating hardships, protecting public health and safety, and preventing further damage.

Under this order, emergency protective measures under Category B will be provided at 75% Federal funding for multiple counties across Georgia. This includes direct Federal assistance for evacuation, shelter support, and mass care, particularly in counties heavily impacted by the storm.

Key Counties Receiving Assistance

• Public Assistance (Category B) will be available to counties across the state including including Crisp, Dooly, Macon, Pulaski, and Wilcox Counties, among others. This support will help implement emergency measures to protect lives and property.
• Additionally, 75% Federal funding will be provided for mass care and evacuation support to counties like Bibb, Bleckley, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, Dodge, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hancock, Houston, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Monroe, Peach, Putnam, Rockdale, Taylor, Telfair, Treutlen, Twiggs, Upson, Washington, Wheeler, andWilkinson .
• For counties along Georgia’s coastal region, such as Chatham, Bryan, and Liberty, Federal assistance will focus on providing direct support for essential protective measures.

FEMA Coordination

Mr. Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. of FEMA has been appointed to oversee Federal recovery operations in Georgia. With Hurricane Helene’s potential to cause significant damage, the Federal support aims to mitigate the storm’s impact and provide timely assistance for recovery efforts.