The Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to support communities recovering from damage caused last year by Hurricane Irma. Seven Georgia Electric Membership Corporations were recently approved to receive more than 13.1 million dollars to offset costs for power restoration.
The storm hit northeast Georgia on September 11th and 12th with torrential rains, winds around 60 miles per hour causing widespread damage that knocked down numerous trees and power lines. The power outages and downed trees closed schools in White and surrounding counties for the entire week.
HEMC Vice President of Operation Ricky Bates said this storm was one of the most destructive weather events in his 40 year career. Fourteen different power and tree service crews worked on the storm.
FEMA has awarded Habersham Electric Membership Corporation more than $2.3 million for repairs to the electric distribution system. The EMC provides service to 32,000 customers in northeastern Georgia, including Rabun, Habersham, White, Hall, Lumpkin and Stephens counties.
Also receiving funding were Jackson Electric Membership Corporation nearly $3.1 million and Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation getting nearly $1.8 million.
The grants are provided through FEMA’s Public Assistance program which reimburses eligible applicants on a cost sharing basis up to 75 percent for actions taken in response to and recovery from a disaster. The remaining project costs are covered by non-federal sources.
