Georgia Leaders Urge Swift Federal Disaster Relief Amid Agriculture Crisis
Georgia leaders are calling on Congress to prioritize disaster relief as the current legislative term nears its end. Republican Governor Brian Kemp issued a letter to congressional budget leaders on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgent need for over $12 billion in federal aid following devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene. This estimate includes significant support for the state’s beleaguered agricultural sector, a vital part of Georgia’s economy.
Governor Kemp highlighted the unprecedented damage wrought by Hurricane Helene, which caused significant destruction across the state, displacing families and shuttering businesses. He pointed out that the agricultural industry, which encompasses specialty crops, livestock operations, and small farms, has been particularly hard hit. Many producers lack adequate insurance, leaving them vulnerable.
In a bipartisan effort, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D) joined North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis (R) on Wednesday to advocate for immediate disaster funding. They called on federal appropriators to expedite a nearly $100 billion disaster funding request amid bipartisan concerns about the timeline. “We must refuse the temptation to delay,” Ossoff stated, stressing that disaster assistance should be passed before the end of the year.
The storm, which struck in late September, left a devastating legacy, with 34 fatalities reported in Georgia, marking the deadliest storm to impact the state in over a century. Ossoff revealed alarming statistics: 1.5 million acres of timberland affected, around 400,000 pecan trees lost, and significant damage to poultry operations. “This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about families,” he remarked, warning that without swift aid, many family farms could collapse, jeopardizing rural communities and vital local economies. The urgency for federal assistance has never been greater.
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Photo credit georgiarecorder.com
