Georgia Governor Asks Bush to Expedite Disaster Declaration

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue asked President George Bush for an expedited major disaster declaration to assist Atlanta and Fulton County with recovery efforts in the wake of storms that hit the city last week. If approved, this declaration will provide federal funds for emergency response measures and aid for losses.

Perdue made the announcement at the Cartersville Airport, after concluding a helicopter tour of the damage caused by severe weather on March 15 in Bartow, Floyd and Polk counties.

Purdue added that these three counties, as well as others around the state that experienced damage over the weekend, could be added to this request at a future date as damage assessments are gathered and tallied.

“I am always amazed by the damage that these winds can inflict on people and property,” said Perdue. “This declaration request will aid those affected most by this disaster to begin the recovery process.”

The request is for federal assistance with public safety measures, debris removal and covering damage to public buildings and also includes individual assistance for affected home and property owners who are uninsured or underinsured.

“The emergency management system nationwide is built upon meeting needs that may not be fully met,” said Georgia Emergency Management Agency Director Charley English. “We are acting to ensure that the needs of these victims are being met.”

This assistance is requested as GEMA continues to work with local and federal officials to assess and recover from the damages caused by the storms. Additional statewide assessments will continue in other cities and counties to ensure that the needs of all local governments affected by the tornadoes are met.

Source: Office of the Governor of Georgia