Press Releases

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the statement below following the White House's Major Disaster Declaration for certain counties as requested by Governor Brian Kemp:

"Georgia's 12th District will never be the same after Hurricane Helene's devastating impact. I am eternally grateful for Governor Kemp's steadfast leadership in quickly requesting an expedited disaster declaration for the state of Georgia, and I joined my colleagues in the Georgia Congressional delegation in urging President Biden to approve the request in short order.

"With this expedited major disaster declaration, federal assistance can now be accessed by some of the most impacted communities. I urge all who have been affected to apply. Our recovery process will take time and patience, and Robin and I are continuing to pray for the families who have lost loved ones and all of our communities that were impacted by this heartbreaking disaster."

The Governor's request which was approved today includes:

• Individual and Public Assistance for Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Columbia, Effingham*, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, Lincoln, McDuffie, Montgomery, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, Washington, and Wheeler Counties.

Individuals in the listed counties may apply for federal assistance by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA's application hotline at 1-800-621-3362.

BACKGROUND: Following Governor Brian Kemp's swift request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Georgia, Congressman Allen joined his Georgia Delegation colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden urging the immediate approval of Governor Kemp's request.

*Counties not originally included in the Major Disaster Designation but have since been added.