Governor Perdue Asks President Bush for Major Disaster Declaration

Today Governor Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration to assist residents and local governments in Cherokee County with emergency response measures and aid for losses resulting from the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

“This is the third tornado event this spring that has disrupted the lives of our citizens and devastated one of our communities,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I am hopeful that our federal partners will recognize the extent of this damage and will render the appropriate assistance to help the residents of Cherokee County recover in the aftermath of this severe weather.”

The disaster declaration is requested as the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) continues to work with local officials to assess and recover from the damages caused by the storms. GEMA officials estimate initial governmental response and clean up efforts will exceed $2.9 million.

The request is for Public Assistance to pay for the cost of emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings. This request also includes Individual Assistance for affected households. Approximately 1,300 homes were impacted statewide. The residents of 1,000 of those homes will need help with repair or replacement costs.

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF1 rated tornado struck Cherokee County with a path reported to be five miles long and three-fourths to one mile wide. The tornado was a part of a line of storms that marched south through much of north and central Georgia during the evening. At least thirty-five counties reported large hail and wind damage.

For additional information on storm damage and assistance, visit www.gema.ga.gov.

GEMA Distributes Hazard Mitigation Funds to the City of Alpharetta

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), on behalf of Governor Sonny Perdue, recently reimbursed the City of Alpharetta $102,385 for the costs associated with the construction of a detention pond to mitigate flooding to residential areas.

"We are pleased that the funding was available to take a common sense approach to mitigate flooding in these areas," said GEMA Director Charley English.

The purpose of the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program is to provide funds to state agencies and local governments for projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from the effects of natural hazards by breaking the repetitive cycle of destruction and reconstruction.

Governor Perdue Declares State of Emergency for Cherokee County

Today(May 21, 2008) Governor Sonny Perdue issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for Cherokee County after the area was struck by a tornado, high winds and hail last night. Governor Perdue toured damaged areas in Cherokee County this afternoon.

“I am always amazed at the extensive damage caused by these storms, but we are proud to see our communities pull together as neighbors help neighbors recover from this type of situation,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “GEMA will continue to work with our local and federal partners as they assess the recovery effort.”

The executive order allows for state resources to be available to local governments for response and recovery activities, and calls for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to activate the state’s Emergency Operations Plan. It also allows for joint local, state and federal assessment teams to survey the affected areas and allows for state resources to assist with debris removal. The executive order also enacts the state’s price gouging statute.
GEMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide any necessary assistance requested by the affected county.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more emergency information and updates, contact GEMA at 1-800-TRY-GEMA (1-800-879-4362) or visit www.gema.ga.gov.

The text of Governor Perdue’s executive order is below:

Whereas: On May 20, 2008, a severe weather system moved into the State of Georgia producing severe thunderstorms resulting in excessive rain, hail and tornadoes which caused extensive damage in Cherokee County; and

Whereas: The assistance of the government of the State of Georgia is necessary to protect the public health, preserve the public safety, keep property damage to a minimum, and restore the social and economic welfare of these counties; and

Whereas: In light of these circumstances the exercise of the authority vested n the Governor pursuant to Article 3, Section 38-3-51, of the Georgia Emergency Management Act of 1981, as amended, is warranted to issue reasonable orders, rules and regulations as are deemed necessary to preserve public health, safety and welfare, and to bring the emergency situation under control within the acknowledged limitations of the powers of the Governor.

Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby

Ordered: That a State of Emergency exists in Cherokee County.

It is further

Ordered: That personnel and equipment resources of the State of Georgia be made available to assist in the response and recovery activities currently being undertaken in Cherokee County and that the Georgia Emergency Management Agency activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan.

This 21st day of May, 2008.

Governor Sonny Perdue