Senator Jon Ossoff opposed the Trump administration’s rejection of Georgia’s request for an extension of hurricane relief related to Hurricane Helene. The denial impacts local governments still recovering from severe storm damage, with estimated losses exceeding $10 billion across affected states. Ossoff and Warnock are urging the administration to reconsider the decision.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) criticized the Trump administration’s refusal to extend hurricane relief for Georgia following Hurricane Helene. In January, Governor Brian Kemp requested an extension from FEMA to allow local governments to receive reimbursement for cleanup costs. However, the request was denied last Wednesday by Cameron Hamilton, the acting FEMA administrator, despite support from Ossoff and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA).
Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to Georgia in October, leading to flooding and destruction that resulted in at least 34 fatalities. The estimated losses for Georgia farmers stand at $5.5 billion. Overall, the impact of Hurricane Helene on agriculture, including other southern states, is projected to exceed $10 billion due to crop destruction and infrastructure damage.
Ossoff and Warnock emphasized the necessity of federal assistance for recovery efforts, citing that similar requests from neighboring states like Florida and South Carolina had been extended by 180 days. However, Georgia’s extension was limited to only 120 days, ending on February 3. Hamilton explained in his letter to Kemp that they determined the increased funding for Georgia was unwarranted, but that the decision could be appealed within 30 days.
Ossoff condemned the denial, stating it undermines the ongoing cleanup efforts in Georgia. The governor’s office noted that the proposed budget would address the shortfall created by the reduction in support, covering the non-federal cost share for remaining eligible expenses. With federal assistance dropping from 100% to 75%, local governments are urged to seek other funding sources to continue recovery activities.
Overall, the Trump administration’s denial of Georgia’s request for an extension of hurricane relief funding has sparked significant discontent among state leaders, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced after Hurricane Helene. The decision puts financial pressure on local governments and underscores the need for swift recovery support in affected areas following natural disasters. Despite the rejection, state officials plan to allocate budget resources to help cover these expenses.
Original Source: www.fox5atlanta.com
