The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied Georgia’s request for an extension to the deadline for local governments to claim federal disaster relief for cleanup operations related to Hurricane Helene. In a letter to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, FEMA stated that the increased level of funding requested is not warranted, but noted that the decision could be appealed within 30 days. This denial has prompted Senator Jon Ossoff to criticize the Trump administration’s decision, emphasizing the need for federal support in Georgia’s ongoing cleanup efforts. Both Ossoff and Sen. Warnock have urged the president to reconsider the decision.
In response to FEMA’s denial, Gov. Kemp’s office stated that the governor’s proposed budget includes funds to cover the absence of federal funds and ensure that cleanup expenses are covered. With the federal reimbursement now at 75%, the budget proposed for AFY25 includes funding projected to cover the 25% non-federal cost share for all eligible expenses incurred after the 100% federal reimbursement period and completed within the due date for federal reimbursement eligibility.
Despite FEMA’s refusal to extend the deadline for claiming federal disaster relief, Gov. Kemp’s office is working to ensure that Georgia’s cleanup efforts are adequately funded. The denial has sparked criticism from politicians and underscores the importance of federal assistance in recovering from natural disasters.
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