FEMA approves individual assistance to seven more Georgia counties

Albany Herald (GA)

Oct. 27--ALBANY -- U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop Jr., D-Albany, and state Rep. Gerald Greene, R-Cuthbert, announced an amendment to the major disaster declaration for Georgia that expands coverage for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance program to also include Calhoun, Clay, Laurens, Randolph, Sumter, Tift and Turner counties.

This is the second amendment to FEMA's major disaster declaration for the state of Georgia. Calhoun, Clay, Sumter and Randolph counties are located in the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia, which is represented by Bishop, and state House District 151, which is represented by Greene.

"I thank FEMA for recognizing the significant recovery needs facing middle and southwest Georgia following Hurricane Michael," Bishop said. "As the recovery process moves forward, the full scope of damage to the region is becoming more and more apparent. This amendment to the major disaster declaration will ensure additional communities receive the help they need to rebuild."

FEMA's Individual Assistance program provides federal resources for impacted individuals and households, including financial assistance for temporary housing, home-repair and damage to essential household items. This assistance also covers disaster-related child care, medical and essential vehicle expenses.

"I am grateful to Gov. Deal and President Trump for including these additional communities in House District 151 in Georgia's aid request," Greene said. "The individual disaster assistance programs will provide tremendous support to families and businesses that are working to recover from this devastating storm. The counties I serve, and the rest of Georgia, will benefit significantly from these recovery efforts as we all try to rebuild and move forward in the storm's aftermath.

"This approval is really a Godsend for my district."

After Thursday's amendment, the full list of counties covered by FEMA's Individual Assistance program includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Crisp, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Laurens, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Seminole and Worth counties.