SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Deadline in Georgia is June 24

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred from Sept. 18 through Oct. 8, 2009 in Georgia that June 24 is the filing deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rockdale, Spalding, Stephens, Troup, Walker, Walton and Whitfield in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in Alabama; Oconee in South Carolina; and Hamilton County in Tennessee.

Loans are available up to $2 million for eligible entities that suffered substantial economic injury from the disaster. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The interest rate on these loans is 4 percent with a maximum term of 30 years. The SBA determines the amount of economic injury and the terms of each loan based on the financial circumstances of the applicant. Eligibility for the program is based on the size and type of business, and its financial resources.

To obtain a loan application, businesses should contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech and hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business disaster loan applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Victims may visit the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The deadline for economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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SBA Honors Four Georgians For Outstanding Disaster Recovery Efforts

-(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last September record rainfall caused historic flooding in Atlanta. Before the rain stopped and floodwaters receded, George Lainhart, Mel Rolls, Zack Stephney and Patricia Vaughn demonstrated tireless effort, determination and creativity in assisting their fellow Metro Atlantans. For their altruistic and far-reaching commitment to the recovery of the Atlanta community, George Lainhart, Mel Rolls, Zack Stephney and Patricia Vaughn were presented the 2010 Perseverance Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery by SBA’s Field Operations Center East (FOCE) office.

“I visited almost every home to see the needs of each person. Many of these people lost everything in 2005 and they lost it again in 2009.”

George Lainhart - By use of his personal airboat, the only one authorized for search and rescue in Georgia, Mr. Lainhart was able to rescue 93 people (86 civilians and 7 emergency personnel) with his law enforcement reservist and volunteer search and rescue airboat pilot skills. This included a harrowing rescue at the height of the 35 mph raging waters on Anneewakee Creek.

Mel Rolls - When the Atlanta floods came in September, 2009, he was able to organize “the people who had nothing” to help “the people that lost everything” in the flood. Over a six-week period, he took teams of 30-35 men, four days a week, dawn to dark, to gut and repair homes in a poor area in Douglas County that was hit hard by the flood. He divided the men into two groups who would gut two to three homes a day for a grand total of over 50 homes.

Zack Stephney – With a rope tied around his waist and anchored by his co-workers, Zack began to swim the 400 foot distance to reach a woman who was clinging to the top of a 27 foot tree in the swirling waters after her car was swept off I-20 by the flood waters. Then held the rope as Doug Weghorn swam the last 20 feet to pull the woman from the tree and Zack pulled them back to safety. Zack performed this heroism despite remembering his father drowning while attempting a similar rescue 30 years ago.

Patricia Vaughn - Mayor Vaughn, members of the Public Works Department and Powder Springs Police raced to survey property and immediately began closing roads for the resident’s safety. “I visited almost every home to see the needs of each person. Many of these people lost everything in 2005 and they lost it again in 2009.” The mayor worked diligently to provide ways to help her constituents from organizing charity benefit concerts, coordinating recovery efforts and waiving city fees for repairs.

“The Perseverance Award is an acknowledgement of an individual’s heroic effort and recognition of the contributions they make to the recovery of their communities,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center in Atlanta. “Each of the recipients displayed tremendous courage and resourcefulness in the aftermath of the flood, which exemplifies the spirit one must have to rebuild after a disaster like this.”

The SBA FOCE Perseverance Awards were presented in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week celebration, which takes place May 23-25 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. Events can be viewed virtually through SBA’s free, live webcasting, which will be accessible at http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/. Additional information on National Small Business Week, including a detailed schedule and registration information, is available online at www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com.

The SBA’s FOCE office gives Perseverance Awards to business owners, public officials and volunteers who displayed selflessness, ingenuity and tenacity in the aftermath of a disaster, while contributing to the rebuilding of their communities in the eastern half of the country.

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Nearly 20,000 SBA Loan Applications Yet to be Returned; November 23 is Deadline to Apply for Physical Damage

(BUSINESS WIRE)--With only a few days remaining before the November 23, application deadline for physical disaster loans, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces that it has approved 1,085 disaster loans for $40,361,300 to Georgia homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations affected by the September 2009 severe storms and flooding.

“We want to thank all of our federal, state and local partners, as well as the volunteer organizations and individuals that helped the SBA to provide financial assistance to the victims,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.

“However, there are nearly 20,000 people who have not returned their SBA loan applications. These individuals have until November 23 to return completed applications for physical damage to the SBA. Homeowners or renters who do not qualify for a disaster loan may be referred to FEMA for grant consideration.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. These loans are for uninsured or uncompensated losses up to SBA’s loan limits.

All Disaster Loan Outreach Centers and Business Recovery Centers in the disaster area will cease operations at the close of business Monday, November 23. Victims in the following counties in Georgia are eligible to apply for SBA’s physical disaster loans: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker.

SBA Center locations and hours of operation are as follows:
Disaster Loan Outreach Centers
Cherokee County			Cobb County			DeKalb County
Cherokee County Parks & Recreation Gym			The Threadmill			Browns Mill Recreation Center
7545 Main Street, Building 200			5000 Austell/Powder Springs Rd, Suite 120			5101 Browns Mill Road
Woodstock, GA 30188			Austell, GA 30106			Lithonia, GA 30058
Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Douglas County			Fulton County			Gwinnett County
Old Douglas County Court House			Fulton County Government Center			Mountain Park Depot
6754 Broad Street			141 Pryor Street SW			5050 Five Forks Trickum Rd.
Douglasville, GA 30134			Atlanta, GA 30303			Lilburn, GA 30047
Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SBA Business Recovery Centers
Cobb County			Douglas County			Fulton County
Powder Springs Library			Douglas County Chamber of Commerce			Government Service Center
4181 Atlanta Street – Bldg. 1			6658 Church Street			7741 Roswell Road
Powder Springs, GA 30127			Douglasville, GA 30134			Atlanta, GA 30350
Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.			Open: Mon-Fri; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Anyone unable to visit one of the Centers may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to any of the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Georgia disaster victims may visit SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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Atlanta Floods Extremely Rare

The epic flooding that hit the Atlanta area in September was so extremely rare that, six weeks later this event has defied attempts to describe it. Scientists have reviewed the numbers and they are stunning.

“At some sites, the annual chance of a flood of this magnitude was so significantly less than 1 in 500 that, given the relatively short length of streamgaging records (well less than 100 years), the U.S. Geological Survey cannot accurately characterize the probability due to its extreme rarity," said Robert Holmes, USGS National Flood Program Coordinator. “Nationwide, given that our oldest streamgaging records span about 100 years, the USGS does not cite probabilities for floods that are beyond a 0.2 percent (500-year) flood.”

“If a 0.2 percent (500-year) flood was a cup of coffee, this one brewed a full pot,” said Brian McCallum, Assistant Director for the USGS Georgia Water Science Center in Atlanta. “This flood overtopped 20 USGS streamgages – one by 12 feet. The closest numbers we have seen like these in Georgia were from Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994. This flood was off the charts.”

The rains returned water levels in the region’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Lanier and Allatoona Lake, to pre-drought levels. Lake Lanier rose by more than three feet to 1068 feet by Sept. 25 and returned to full pool in October. Allatoona Lake rose to 853.25 feet on Sept 23, more than 13 feet over full pool of 840 feet.

“The flooding in Atlanta is certainly near the top of the list of the worst floods in the United States during the past 100 years,” said Holmes. “For comparable drainage areas, the magnitude of this flood was worse than the 1977 Kansas City flood, which caused tremendous destruction and loss of life. It is a testament to the diligence of county officials and emergency management teams that more lives were not lost in Georgia.”

Significant property losses, however, were a near certainty from this event. According to the National Weather Service, some locations recorded up to 20 inches of rain from 8:00 pm on Sept. 20 to 8:00 pm the following day. Culverts and sewers are not usually designed for events of this magnitude because they are so rare and it is cost prohibitive.

“Applying rainfall frequency calculations, we have determined that the chance of 10 inches or more occurring at any given point are less than one hundredth of one percent”, said Kent Frantz, Senior Service Hydrologist for the National Weather Service at Peachtree City. “This means that the chance of an event like this occurring is 1 in 10,000.”

For this analysis, USGS reviewed high-water-mark surveys and indirect peak discharge computations throughout the flood-affected region. Scientists gather these data from the field during floods and in their immediate aftermath to supplement or in this case, to provide data after a gage is destroyed. Some notable results:

In Cobb County, Sweetwater, Noonday, Butler, and Powder Springs creeks flooded so severely that the annual chance of a worse event is far smaller than 0.2 percent (500-year) flood. On Sweetwater Creek near Austell, Ga., high-water marks showed a peak stage of 30.8 feet. The peak flow (31,500 cubic feet per second) was more than double the previous peak flow recorded at this site during the last 73 years. The previous peak, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Dennis in July 2005, was almost 10 feet lower at 21.87 feet.
In Douglas County, the Dog River near Fairplay overtopped the USGS stream gage by 12 feet. The peak stage was 33.8 feet, with a peak discharge of 59,900 cubic feet per second. This is well beyond the 0.2 percent annual exceedence probability (500-year) flood.
Gwinnett, DeKalb and Rockdale counties also had record flooding. Suwanee Creek floods were beyond the 0.2 percent annual exceedence probability (500-year) flood.
On the Chattahoochee, the USGS gage at Vinings reached a peak stage of 28.12 feet with 40,900 cubic feet per second, which represents between a between a 1.0 to 0.5 percent annual exceedence probability (100- to 200-year) flood.
In Georgia the USGS maintains a network of nearly 300 streamgages that provide data in real time. Data from these streamgages are used by local, state and federal officials for numerous purposes, including public safety and flood forecasting by the National Weather Service. A map of these gages and graphs of discharge for the last seven days is available online.

The USGS works in cooperation with other Federal, state, and local agencies, throughout Georgia that measure water level (stage), streamflow (discharge), lake levels and rainfall.

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Cobb County: Another SBA Business Recovery Center To Open

COBB COUNTY
Powder Springs Library
4181 Atlanta Street
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Opens: Monday, October 12, 9 a.m.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that a Business Recovery Center in Cobb County is opening Monday, October 12 at 9 a.m. to help businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding in Georgia that began on September 18, 2009. The Cobb County Center will be located in the Powder Springs Library at 4181 Atlanta Street, Powder Springs, GA 30127. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker in the state of Georgia which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in Alabama; Oconee in South Carolina; and Hamilton County in Tennessee.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million for physical losses. For small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Centers to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications.

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, (including the holiday, Monday October 12) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned to the Centers or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Businesses may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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SBA Disaster Assistance Tops $1 Million; Urges Return of Disaster Loan Applications

(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than $1 million in U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans have been approved for disaster victims in Georgia as a result of damages caused by severe storms and flooding that began on September 18, 2009.

“Currently, 30 disaster loans have been approved in the amount of $1,165,200 for affected victims,” said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. “We are pleased to be able to get these loans approved so the residents and businesses of Georgia can start rebuilding and begin resuming their normal lives.”

Victims are urged to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing impaired. “If you were issued an SBA loan application, complete and return the application to the SBA before the November 23 deadline, even if you don’t want a loan. If the SBA is not able to approve a home loan, you may be referred to FEMA for possible grant assistance. I encourage anyone who has not completed their disaster loan application to do so and return the application as soon as possible,” Skaggs added.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. The SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future.

For small businesses, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, victims must first call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Anyone may obtain an SBA Disaster Loan application or program information by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (or 1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT (including the holiday, Monday October 12) or by emailing our customer service center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications may be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Applications may be returned to one of the Centers or mailed to: U. S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76155.

Victims may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in DeKalb County

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that it will open a Business Recovery Center to help businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding in Georgia that began on September 18, 2009. The Center opens at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library on Wednesday, October 7, at 10 a.m.

The disaster declaration covers Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker in the state of Georgia which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in the state of Georgia; the counties of Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in the state of Alabama; the county of Oconee in the state of South Carolina; and the county of Hamilton in the state of Tennessee.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million for physical losses. For small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications. The Business Recovery Center will be located in the following community and will open as indicated below:
Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library
2861 Wesley Chapel Rd.
Decatur, GA 33034

Opens:
Wednesday, October 7, at 10 a.m.
Hours:
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Thursday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, until further notice

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Businesses may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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Flood victims can replace damaged food stamp supplies

Anyone who lost food supplies obtained with Georgia food stamps as a result of the September 18 - 26 flooding can get replacement provisions by visiting their local Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.

Citizens in any of the affected counties (Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker) should contact their local DFCS office or call 1-800-869-1150 to receive replacement food stamp benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP). Recipients will be required to sign an affidavit stating their food loss was flood-related to have their benefits restored.

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SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Douglasville

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announced yesterday that it will open a Business Recovery Center to help businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding in Georgia that began on September 18, 2009. The Center opens at the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, October 5, at 9 a.m.

The disaster declaration covers Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker in the state of Georgia which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in the state of Georgia; the counties of Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in the state of Alabama; the county of Oconee in the state of South Carolina; and the county of Hamilton in the state of Tennessee.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million for physical losses. For small businesses, and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their applications. The Business Recovery Center will be located in the following community and will open as indicated below:

Douglas County Chamber of Commerce
6658 Church Street
Douglasville, GA 30134

Opens: Monday, October 5 at 9 a.m.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, until further notice

Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT, or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be returned the Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Businesses may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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Irvin warns Georgians to protect structures against termite infestation after recent flooding

Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin alerts Georgians that they need to “consider options” in preventing future termite infestations as a result of recent flooding in the northern part of the state.

“Structures in Georgia are particularly vulnerable to termite attack and it is important to be protected,” says Irvin, whose department license structural pest control operators.

The recent rainfall -- and subsequent flooding -- have saturated soils and damaged homes and businesses that will require major rebuilding. Irvin says now is a good time to review or re-establish termite control measures that may have been disturbed by the flooding.
Irvin says home and business owners should always seek professional help when dealing with termites.

“A licensed pest management professional can best answer the question ‘Is my home or business still protected against termites?’” Irvin says. “If you have a liquid termiticide barrier treatment or termite monitoring/baiting programs (to protect your structure), it is essential that the pest control company determine if the barrier or stations have been disturbed by heavy rains or flooding.”

Re-treatment of termiticide or re-installation of a baiting program may be required.

Irvin says a trained structural pest control professional will be able to look for soil erosion and ascertain if soil has been carried away by the rains and flood and deposited away from a foundation or next to it. If there is a shifting of soil away from a foundation, it may be probable that termite re-treatment will be necessary.

Irvin says re-treatment may also be needed if there is movement of adjacent attached slabs such as patios, porches, driveways and sidewalks or a foundation.

“The disturbance of the liquid barrier treatment or termite monitoring system is an unfortunate occurrence, and is neither the fault of the homeowner, business owner, or the pest control company,” the commissioner says. “A property owner needs to review their termite control contract to see who is responsible for the reestablishment of the termite protection. This can be found in the terms and conditions of the contract.”

Irvin advises home and business owners to be cautious, in addition to using and seeking the advice only of licensed professional pest control companies.

“If a company is not licensed in Georgia, it is illegal for them to practice termite control work, and your property will not be professionally protected,” Irvin says. “If you are in doubt, call Structural Pest Control, Georgia Department of Agriculture at (404) 656-3641.” You can also verify a company’s operator’s license at http://www.kellysolutions.com/ga/structural/

“Being inadequately protected is a gamble that you should not entertain,” Irvin says. “You want to be 100-percent certain that you don’t have a termite problem because if you guess wrong, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Here, an ounce of prevention is the best course.”

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Ten Counties Added to Assist Georgia Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the announcement of the Presidential disaster declaration in Georgia for several counties affected by the severe storms and flooding that began on September 18, 2009 additional counties became eligible.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker and for Economic Injury Only the contiguous counties of Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clayton, Dade, Dawson, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Meriwether, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Spalding, Troup, Walton and Whitfield in the State of Georgia; contiguous counties of Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Randolph in the State of Alabama; contiguous county of Oconee in the State of South Carolina and the contiguous county of Hamilton in the State of Tennessee.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future.

For small businesses and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing impaired. Additional details on the location of Disaster Recovery Center(s) and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; EDT or sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Georgia residents affected by this disaster may fill out a loan application online by visiting SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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SBA Stands Ready to Assist Georgia Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the announcement of the Presidential disaster declaration in Georgia for several counties affected by the severe storms and flooding that began on September 18, 2009, Administrator Karen G. Mills of the U.S. Small Business Administration issued the following statement:

“The U.S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing the people of Georgia with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist homeowners, renters, and small businesses with federal disaster loans. Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

The disaster declaration covers Carroll, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Stephens counties in Georgia, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Banks, Bartow, Coweta, Dawson, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gordon, Habersham, Haralson, Heard, Pickens, Polk and Walker in Georgia; Cherokee, Cleburne and Randolph in Alabama and Oconee in South Carolina.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage in the future.

For small businesses and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

Interest rates are as low as 2.750 percent for homeowners and renters and 4 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, September 26th and 27th from 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. EDT or sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Georgia residents affected by this disaster may fill out a loan application online by visiting SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 23, 2009. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 24, 2010.

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Dekalb County Flood Victims 'Left High and Dry,' Overlooked for Federal Assistance

/PRNewswire/ -- DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May held a press conference to demand state and federal support for victims of the recent Georgia floods on Friday, September 25, at 10 a.m. at the Manuel Maloof Center located at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur.

Recently, Governor Sonny Perdue's office announced that Carroll, Cobb, Paulding, Douglas and Cherokee counties were issued a federal disaster declaration, while 17 additional Georgia counties hang in the balance.

"For some reason, DeKalb County was overlooked for this federal declaration. With hundreds of homes devastated and destroyed in DeKalb, our residents are left high and dry without the proper resources and federal backing to help families in need," said Commission May, whose family was evacuated by a DeKalb County fire & rescue team during the storms. "The recent floods have destroyed thousands of homes across the metro area and claimed the lives of 9 individuals. Now, insurance companies are refusing to assist homeowners throughout the state of Georgia."

"The devastation didn't stop at the county line," added Commissioner May. "I had more than 200 families in attendance at my emergency meeting for flood victims. We need Vice President Joe Biden and others to understand the severity and impact these floods have had throughout Georgia and to act on it."

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CIGNA Offers Assistance to Customers Affected by Georgia Floods

(BUSINESS WIRE)--CIGNA (NYSE:CI) announced today that it is temporarily lifting certain medical and pharmacy restrictions in order to aid individuals impacted by severe flooding in Georgia.

People insured by CIGNA in the affected Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker Counties can refill prescriptions early without prior approval and access care at any health care professional (in-network or out-of-network) at in-network rates.

“The health and well-being of the individuals we serve is our primary concern,” said Susan Gaca, Director, CIGNA Disaster Response Team. “We hope that during times such as this, these actions will provide some relief to those impacted.”

This temporary measure is in place until September 27, 2009 and may be extended if necessary.

Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the customer service phone number on their CIGNA ID card or the CIGNA nationwide customer service telephone number at 1.800.CIGNA24 (1.800.244.6224) for additional information about the waivers.

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Red Cross Lending a Hand to Flood Victims Unable to Go Home

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross sheltered more than 420 people in Georgia and Tennessee overnight, a signal that even though flood waters are slowly receding, many are still unable to return to their homes.

The Red Cross has more than 200 volunteers and staff and 18 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) in the area with more on standby. Clean up and comfort kits are being distributed and almost 2,000 meals have been served to those affected by the flooding. Officials say early estimates show as many as 3,000 homes may be affected with damages estimated at $250 million.

Red Cross is partnering with Southern Baptist Convention, which has one mobile kitchen in operation and another on alert if needed. Other partners include Samaritan's Purse, Georgia Association of Food Banks, Church of Latter Day Saints, Church World Service, and NECHAMA.

"Our focus is on making people as comfortable as possible, feeding them and taking care of their immediate needs," said Joe Becker, Red Cross Disaster Services senior vice president. "We have the workers, equipment and supplies here on the ground to do that with more on standby if needed."

As the waters recede, the Red Cross issues these steps people should take to remain safe as they return to their neighborhoods:

-- Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
-- Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged
gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
-- Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances
carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
-- Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have
come into your home with the floodwater.
-- If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave
immediately and call the fire department.
-- If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or
standing water.
-- Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
-- Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated
fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local
authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk.
-- During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and
rubber boots.
-- Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come
in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles,
plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out!
-- Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush
teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
-- Contact your local or state public health department for specific
recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area after a
disaster as water may be contaminated.

Help people affected by disasters like the current floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.org.

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UnitedHealth Group Authorizes Early Prescription Refills and Opens Free Counseling Help Line for People in Flood-Affected Counties in Georgia

(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) and its family of companies are authorizing plan participants who are affected by the floods in Georgia and enrolled in its fully insured health plans and pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services to obtain early refills of their prescription medications. In addition, a free help line is available for people who are coping with the emotional consequences of the floods.

Effective Sept. 22 through Oct. 6, 2009, UnitedHealthcare customers who live in Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker counties are eligible to obtain early refills of their prescriptions if they have refills remaining on file at a retail network or mail-order pharmacy.

This early prescription refill exception also applies to individuals with prescription coverage through Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or Medicare Part D offerings, including AARP MedicareRx plans. For mail-order delivery service to affected areas or any other questions related to their prescriptions, health plan participants are encouraged to call the pharmacy number on the back of their ID card, or speak directly to a pharmacist about their situation.

Customers who have been displaced or whose network medical facility is not accessible and require assistance or special accommodations as a result of the flooding should call the number on the back of their medical ID cards. Customer care professionals are available to help people who have been displaced from their place of residence locate an in-network health care provider. In an emergency, customers should seek care at the nearest medical facility.

In addition, OptumHealth, UnitedHealth Group’s health and wellness business, is providing a free help line for people coping with the emotional consequences of the floods. Staffed by experienced master’s-level behavioral health specialists, the help line offers assistance to callers seeking help in dealing with stress, anxiety and the grieving process. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, such as financial and legal issues.

The toll-free help line number is (866)-342-6892 and is available open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. This service is free of charge. Resources and information are also available online in English at www.liveandworkwell.com and Spanish at www.mentesana-cuerposano.com.

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Georgia Delegation Honors Georgia Flood Victims

Rec'd from U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland:

Along with all his colleagues in the Georgia delegation, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today brought a resolution to the floor honoring the victims of the recent Georgia floods and praising the emergency rescue workers on the front lines of the recovery effort.

“This past week, the floods have ruined homes, damaged schools and roads and, most tragically, taken innocent lives,” Westmoreland said. “We have those families in our thoughts and prayers. We also owe a great debt to all the emergency workers who manned the battle stations during this crisis and saved lives and property. We can’t thank them enough for the great work that they’ve done.

“Today’s resolution won’t ease the pain of the deaths, injuries and losses that we’ve experienced. It’s simply an acknowledgement of Georgia’s struggle and a show of solidarity from all across the nation.”

The resolution, below, passed the House unanimously.

111TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H. RES. ll

Expressing condolences to the families of the individuals killed during unusual storms and floods in the State of Georgia between September 18 and 21, 2009, and expressing gratitude to all of the emergency personnel who continue to work with unyielding determination to meet the needs of Georgia’s residents.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. LEWIS of Georgia submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on _________

RESOLUTION

Expressing condolences to the families of the individuals killed during unusual storms and floods in the State of Georgia between September 18 and 21, 2009, and expressing gratitude to all of the emergency personnel who continue to work with unyielding determination to meet the needs of Georgia’s residents.

Whereas the State of Georgia has been hit by days of unusually strong storms that have resulted in downpours and flooding, beginning on September 18, 2009;

Whereas numerous Georgia rivers and creeks, including the Chattooga and Chattahoochee Rivers and Chickamauga Creek, swollen by days of rain, have overtopped their banks, creating a dangerous and deadly situation for nearby residents;

Whereas the storms and floods have taken human lives;

Whereas the floodwater has destroyed homes, flooded roadways, including major highways, compromised drinking water, severely damaged plumbing systems, and caused significant damage to homes and businesses;

Whereas on September 21, 2009, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency in 17 counties, including Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens, and Walker Counties;

Whereas the National Weather Service estimated that between 15 and 22 inches of rain have fallen in the metropolitan Atlanta counties of Gwinnett, Douglas, and Paulding between September 18 and 21, 2009;

Whereas the rains have broken a 130-year-old record at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport;

Whereas hundreds of Georgians have been evacuated from their homes and over 300 people are seeking refuge in shelters;

Whereas the Governor estimates that over 1,000 residences are seriously flooded;

Whereas the weather has closed schools in several counties;

Whereas as many as tens of thousands of people are without power in metropolitan Atlanta;

Whereas search and rescue operations are continuing in several counties where the water continues to rise;

Whereas the Georgia Emergency Management Agency has coordinated with local emergency personnel and has worked tirelessly to protect human lives and rescue those threatened by the floods;

Whereas the Georgia Emergency Management Agency continues to facilitate requests for assistance from citizens and first responders all across the State of Georgia;

Whereas the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and other first responders have acted valiantly in life safety response operations, including delivering sandbags and rescuing people trapped in their cars and homes from the floodwater;

Whereas the Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated its national and regional response coordination centers and is working closely with the State of Georgia to monitor the response efforts and identify and respond to any immediate emergency needs for the citizens and
communities of the State that are impacted by these devastating floods; and

Whereas volunteers are giving their time to help ensure that evacuees are sheltered, clothed, fed, and comforted through this traumatic event: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
2 (1) offers its deepest sympathy and condolences
3 to the families of those who lost their lives in the
4 flooding in the State of Georgia;
5 (2) expresses its condolences to the families
6 who lost their homes and other property in the
7 floods;

1 (3) expresses gratitude and appreciation to the
2 people of the State of Georgia and the surrounding
3 States, who continue to work to protect people from
4 the still rising floodwaters;
5 (4) expresses its support as the Federal Emer
6 gency Management Agency continues its efforts to
7 respond to any needs of the citizens and commu
8 nities affected by the flooding; and
9 (5) honors the emergency responders, within
10 and beyond metropolitan Atlanta and the State of
11 Georgia, for their bravery and sacrifice during this
12 tragedy.

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Pelosi: 'The Thoughts and Prayers of This Congress Are With the People of Georgia Today'

/PRNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this afternoon in support of a resolution expressing condolences to the families of the individuals killed during storms and floods in the state of Georgia this past week. The resolution was approved by the House by a vote of 421 to 0. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

"I thank the gentleman for yielding and for giving us this opportunity to come to the floor to express on the floor of the House our condolences to the people of Georgia in this very, very sad time.

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Georgia delegation, for calling attention to the serious flooding in Georgia and other parts of the American Southeast and for this resolution to offer our condolences on behalf of all Members of Congress.

"Of course, we all offer our condolences to those who lost their lives -- we're very sad to hear about those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Those lost -- Mr. David Scott referenced those nine people dead, dozens stranded, and more than 30,000 without electricity.

"Those lost include a teenage boy trying to rescue another in danger, a mother of two young children, and a very young child, 2 years old, who was swept away from his father's arms. When that word came over the TV, my colleagues, all of America wept. It is so sad and our hearts ache for those who have lost so much.

"But in the emerging sun, what do we see? We see neighbors coming to the aid of neighbors, and the tireless work of our first responders.

"Members of Congress are being briefed on the ongoing effort by our Members of the Georgia delegation. Thank you, Mr. Lewis, for being the author of this resolution. We are all trying to reach out to you to see what we can do to help individually in conversation and as a Congress. I know that President Obama will act upon the request that he has just received -- well he has received the request from Governor Perdue, now he has received the formal documentation from FEMA and I'm certain that will be addressed immediately.

"The thoughts and prayers of this entire Congress and the people we represent -- the American people -- are with the people of Georgia today, and in the days ahead as we work with them to ensure they have all that they need.

"And I hope that it is some level of comfort to them that their representatives on both sides of the aisle from Georgia have made us fully aware of the direct impact that the rains have had on Georgia and we stand ready to help with whatever we can do officially. But always, what we can do in our prayers."

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Red Cross Sheltering Those Hit by Floods in Southeast

/PRNewswire/ -- As rising flood waters cover the Southeast, hundreds have looked to the American Red Cross for shelter as officials estimate the number of people needing help could rise dramatically.

Overnight more than 220 people took refuge in Red Cross shelters in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. Georgia has been hit the hardest, particularly around the city of Atlanta where as much as a foot of rain fell Monday. According to news reports, the flooding has claimed at least eight lives. Governor Sonny Purdue has declared a state of emergency in 17 counties and authorities are urging people to stay home if possible.

Red Cross is providing a safe place to stay, food to eat, and a shoulder to lean on for those affected by the flooding which has prompted evacuations, washed out bridges, caused landslides, and closed highways across the area.

"These flood waters can come up very rapidly. People should be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice," said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President Red Cross Disaster Services, "We have shelters open which offer a safe haven for those who have been forced out of their homes."

Preliminary estimates from emergency management officials indicate that as many as 1,000 people could potentially need sheltering.

Red Cross offers the following steps people should take to be ready and stay safe:

-- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.
-- Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where
water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six
inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
-- If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go
another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising
rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher
ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving
water.
-- Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio
for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or
other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
-- When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for
higher ground and stay there.

For more information on what to do if flood waters threaten, visit Red Cross preparedness information on www.redcross.org.

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President Declares Major Disaster for Georgia Following Severe Storms, Flooding, Tornadoes

Senators Chambliss, Isakson applaud announcement that will trigger federal assistance

U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., applauded President Obama’s decision Thursday evening to issue a disaster declaration for the state of Georgia, triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that hit the state on March 26 and have continued over the past several weeks.

The designation includes assistance to individuals and households in Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Coffee, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Pierce, Tift, Ware, Wheeler and Worth counties. Additionally, the designation includes state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Early, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Toombs and Ware counties. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"This is welcome news for those who greatly need assistance in recovering from the severe weather that has struck South Georgia in the past few weeks,” said Chambliss. “There are certainly many areas that are going to need a helping hand, so I hope additional designations will be forthcoming once the assessments are completed."

"I thank the president for this disaster declaration for all of the Georgia counties affected by these devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes. This will ensure that these communities in South Georgia will be eligible for much-needed federal assistance in their recovery efforts," Isakson said.
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