Extensive Damage Estimates
Following the storm, which caused significant destruction in the eastern part of the state after a landslide in Florida on September 26, officials estimated that Georgia’s agricultural and forestry industries suffered an economic loss of approximately $6.46 billion. Key crops, including cotton, pecans, and poultry, faced severe damage, leading Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and other officials to describe the destruction as “generational damage.”
Financial Aid Breakdown
Of the total allocated funds, $75 million will be directed to the Georgia Development Authority, which provides disaster relief loans to farmers and related agricultural businesses. Additionally, $25 million will be allocated for the cleanup of wood debris and other storm-related cleanup efforts. Given Georgia’s current budget surplus, the state is utilizing cash reserves instead of traditional bond sales for financing these projects.
Garrison Douglas, spokesperson for Governor Brian Kemp, noted that while the $100 million is set aside for future expenditures, it has not yet been earmarked for any specific ongoing projects. With a budget surplus of $2 billion last year, state legislators may consider amending the current budget during the upcoming legislative session in January 2025.
A Historical Perspective
This financial commitment is notable compared to the state’s response to Hurricane Michael, which did not receive such a substantial financial backing. The agricultural damages from Hurricane Helen have been estimated to be more than double those of Michael. After Hurricane Michael, Georgia incurred over $470 million in loans and recovery expenditures, highlighting the increasing urgency for effective disaster relief mechanisms.
Douglas stated, “This is something we learned we could do,” emphasizing the state’s proactive approach to disaster management. Along with additional relief measures, Kemp and state leaders plan to collaborate with stakeholders to provide necessary support to the affected communities.
Congressional Actions and Additional Relief
Governor Kemp, State Senate President John Burns, and others are urging Congress to expedite action on a relief package for both Hurricane Helen and Milton. They are advocating for block grants that states can use for recovery purposes to assist farmers. Burns expressed that the measures would offer essential financial relief to farmers and forest workers as they navigate the impacts of the disaster.
As part of its ongoing support, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already spent $1.3 billion in direct assistance for individuals affected by Helen and Milton, alongside over $1.1 billion for debris removal and emergency protective measures.
However, due to constitutional restrictions in Georgia, the state government cannot provide direct financial assistance to individuals and private businesses, a situation that may require a constitutional amendment to change.
The Georgia Development Authority is scheduled to convene on Monday in Macon to commence the expenditure of the $100 million allocation, marking a critical step toward recovery for the state’s agricultural sector and affected communities.
