Ossoff Criticizes FEMA’s Denial of Relief Extension for Georgia After Hurricane Helene
Senator Jon Ossoff criticized the Trump administration for denying Georgia’s request for an extension of federal hurricane relief after Hurricane Helene. The storm caused significant destruction, resulting in substantial financial losses for Georgia farmers. While FEMA denied the request for extended funding, the state will seek to cover remaining cleanup costs through its budget.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) has criticized the Trump administration’s refusal to extend federal hurricane relief for Georgia following Hurricane Helene. In January, Governor Brian Kemp requested an extension from FEMA, supported by Ossoff and fellow Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA). However, FEMA informed Kemp last Wednesday that the extension request was denied, which Ossoff described as a disappointing decision that undermines recovery efforts in Georgia.
Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across Georgia after striking in October, resulting in significant fatalities and substantial damage to infrastructure. Experts estimate the storm resulted in over $10 billion in damages across multiple states, with Georgia farmers alone facing losses exceeding $5.5 billion. These losses include destroyed crops, uprooted timber, and damaged agricultural equipment, necessitating federal assistance for recovery.
Ossoff and Warnock advocated for extending the FEMA Debris Coverage Program funding, which has been vital for affected Georgia counties. While states like Florida received a 180-day extension, Georgia was limited to a 120-day extension ending on February 3. In a letter to Kemp, FEMA’s acting administrator stated that increased funding for disaster relief was unwarranted, denying the extension request.
In response, Ossoff urged the Trump administration to reconsider its decision, arguing that local governments require ongoing support for cleanup efforts from Hurricane Helene. Following the denial, Governor Kemp’s office announced that the state Budget would cover the remaining costs for federal assistance that would have been covered under the extended program. This budget proposal aims to address the 25% cost share that local governments must now bear.
The Trump administration’s denial of Georgia’s request for an extension of Hurricane Helene relief has been met with significant criticism from Senator Jon Ossoff and state officials. The storm caused immense damage, with Georgia farmers suffering $5.5 billion in losses. Despite the challenges, the state plans to cover the shortfall in federal reimbursement to support local recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.fox5atlanta.com
