Additional Federal Assistance for Georgia Counties

Press Release

Yesterday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Harris and Heard Counties would also be eligible for federal assistance. These two counties are in addition to five other counties in the Third District (Coweta, Lamar, Meriwether, Spalding, and Troup) to receive federal assistance in the aftermath of devastating storms that struck Georgia, leaving a path of destruction. Residents of Harris and Heard Counties can now apply for individual assistance from FEMA. Individual assistance can include temporary housing assistance and other aid to residents in the affected counties. To learn more about individual assistance, visit http://westmoreland.house.gov/UploadedFiles/FEMA_Individual_Assistance.pdf. In addition, Governor Deal has also declared a state of emergency in Harris and Heard Counties, releasing state resources to these counties. For more information, visit www.gema.state.ga.us.

Currently, Harris and Heard Counties are not eligible for federal public assistance, which includes aid to counties, such as debris removal. To learn more about public assistance, visit http://westmoreland.house.gov/UploadedFiles/FEMA_Public_Assistance.pdf. Also, FEMA's Disaster Guide http://www.fema.gov/assistance/process/guide.shtm may be helpful for those with questions on federal disaster aid.

"I am pleased to see that FEMA continues to assess the damage done to Georgia's Third Congressional District during last week's destructive storms," stated Westmoreland. "I personally visited Harris County last week and saw the damage there first-hand, so I can attest to the need for this federal assistance. I will continue to work with state, local, and federal officials to ensure that those affected by this storm receive the assistance that is available as they begin to rebuild their communities."

In each of the seven counties in the Third District that have had a federal disaster declaration, a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be set up where applicants may go for information or to register for disaster assistance. Individuals can also sign up for assistance by visiting www.fema.gov/assistance or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with hearing disabilities, you may call (800) 462-7585. You may also sign up for assistance via your smart phone by visiting m.fema.gov.

Congressman Westmoreland has also set up a page on his congressional website (http://westmoreland.house.gov/ConstituentServices/stormassistance.htm) with information about available federal assistance as well as instructions for how to sign up for that assistance. He will keep the website updated as new information comes in.

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