USDA deploys resources to help people recover after storms

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Georgia Reggie A. Taylor has announced that USDA is deploying key resources to help people in their long-term recovery and rebuilding after severe storms and tornadoes hit Butts, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Spalding and Troup counties in Georgia on Jan. 12.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Jan. 16 issued a Presidential Disaster Declaration DR-4685 for Georgia regarding severe storms, straight line winds and tornados that hit the area on Jan. 12.

USDA Rural Development 502 Direct Loan Program housing customers in affected counties may be impacted. The agency wants to ensure that its customers are aware of assistance that may be able to be provided in the event these severe weather conditions have impacted their property or income. If you are a homeowner through the USDA Rural Development 502 Direct Program and the disaster has damaged your property, please contact the USDA Servicing Center at 1-800-414-1226 to obtain a claims package. This claims package will explain how to work with your insurance agency and USDA.

As USDA continues to respond to the impacts of these weather events, the Department remains committed to delivering environmental justice to the people living in rural America now more than ever. Through its key rural infrastructure and economic development programs, USDA is helping to address disproportionate health, environmental and economic impacts on disadvantaged communities in the face of disaster.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you'd like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.