Governor Brian Kemp and other state lawmakers will consider additional Hurricane Helene relief during this spring’s General Assembly.
On Nov. 1, 2024, Gov. Kemp announced the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) approved a proposal to reallocate $100 million to the Georgia Development Authority (GDA) for hurricane relief.
The $100 million was initially allocated for construction projects and other spending. Since the state ended 2024 with more than $11 billion in unallocated surplus cash, future construction projects will be paid from surplus funds. Lawmakers intend to redirect the $100 million with an amendment to the current 2025 budget.
The $100 million was reallocated into $75 million for disaster relief loans to agricultural businesses and another $25 million to timber producers. This will aid in the cleanup of downed timber and enhance fire control measures.
Since the state’s constitution bans gratuities, Georgia’s government does not allow for direct aid to people and private businesses.
The GDA can pay direct aid to agricultural business and timber contactors. They introduced the SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program in November 2024. Loans will be granted on a first come first serve basis to Georgia farmers in affected counties. The Federal Emergency Management Authority designated counties east of Interstate 75 as needing assistance. They were the most impacted by the hurricane.
GDA’s low-interest, emergency loan program will assist with recovery from damage, income loss and a continuation of farm operations until federal aid is received. The money can be used for income replacement, repairing or replacing damaged farm structures and equipment, operating capital, and purchase of machinery or equipment that will assist in recovery from hurricane damage.
The application for SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program closed Dec. 31, 2024. The specific allocation of these funds has yet to be announced.
Gov. Kemp and other state lawmakers want to spend another $615 million on aid. This would include providing state tax breaks for replanting timber and rebuilding chicken coops. Farmers who received federal disaster aid will be exempt from state income taxes. These tax breaks could be worth more than $450 million.
