(Cleveland)- White County is among several North Georgia counties set to receive federal aid to help rebuild from severe storms that hit the area earlier this year.
President Joe Biden this week issued a major disaster declaration for eight counties in Georgia hit hardest by the storms, freeing up federal assistance. The storms on March 25 and 26 spurred heavy rain and tornadoes, causing more than $28 million in damage across Georgia.
“The declaration provides resources that will assist in balancing the cost of damages from the severe weather and tornadoes event,” says Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security Director Chris Stallings. “It will be a great help to the communities recovering from this event.”
Heavy rain caused most of the damage in White County, according to public safety director David Murphy. Flash flooding damaged roads and culverts, caused landslides, and prompted calls for assistance near streams and the Chattahoochee River.
“Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported,” says Murphy.
As a result of the storms, White County has encumbered approximately $130,000 in damage costs. Some areas are still working on repairs.
Federal funding will be made available to eligible local governments and some private non-profits in the North Georgia counties of Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, Rabun, and White and Coweta and Heard counties in the west-central part of the state. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide financial aid for debris removal and repairs to roads, bridges, and power infrastructure for up to 75 percent of the project’s cost.
In addition, under Biden’s declaration, all areas in the State of Georgia are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. HMGP assists with actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
FEMA is still reviewing Gov. Brian Kemp’s request for Individual Assistance for people in those counties affected by the storms.
