FR 2024-28666

This document is a formal notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the Presidential declaration of a major disaster in the State of Georgia. The declaration, issued on September 30, 2024, relates to damage caused by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024. The notice outlines the availability of federal assistance for individuals and communities affected by the disaster.

General Summary

The major disaster declaration allows Georgia to receive federal aid for areas that experienced severe damage due to Hurricane Helene. This aid covers individual assistance, debris removal, emergency protective measures, and hazard mitigation. It specifies that designated counties, including Appling, Brooks, and Coffee among others, are eligible for these forms of assistance. FEMA has appointed Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. as the Federal Coordinating Officer to oversee the relief efforts. Importantly, the federal support for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation under the Stafford Act is limited to 75% of the total eligible costs.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the document's contents:

1. Lack of Specific Funding Details: The document does not specify the exact amount of federal funds allocated to assist with the disaster recovery efforts. This absence of financial information could result in insufficient oversight during fund distribution.

2. Assessment and Aid Distribution Ambiguity: The process for determining the extent of the damage and the necessary assistance is not thoroughly detailed, potentially leading to misunderstandings in how aid is distributed to those affected.

3. Coverage of Remaining Costs: It is unclear who is responsible for covering the remaining 25% of costs not supported by federal assistance. This could create confusion and financial strain on local governments or affected individuals.

4. Oversight and Fund Misuse: The notice does not mention specific controls or procedures to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and directed to suitable parties. This lack of detail may raise concerns about transparency and accountability.

5. Clarity on Program Roles: While the document lists several Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers, it does not elaborate on how each program will contribute to the disaster recovery, possibly leading to confusion about what support is available through different provisions.

Public Impact

Broadly, this declaration can provide much-needed relief for Georgia residents and communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. It mobilizes federal resources that are likely crucial for recovery efforts. However, the lack of financial specifics and an unclear aid distribution process might lead to uncertainty among those expecting assistance.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Affected Residents and Communities: For individuals and local governments in the designated areas, this notice is a gateway to vital federal assistance. However, they might face challenges related to the undefined specifics around cost-sharing and fund allocation.

• State and Local Governments: These entities are pivotal in distributing relief and must navigate the ambiguity of coverage for remaining costs. The absence of clear oversight procedures could complicate effective fund management.

• Federal Coordinating Officer: Kevin A. Wallace, Sr., as the designated Federal Coordinating Officer, will play an instrumental role. His responsibilities include ensuring the adequacy and appropriateness of federal responses, a challenge heightened by the document’s vagueness on certain procedures.

In conclusion, while FEMA’s declaration signals important federal involvement in disaster recovery, the deficiencies in clarity around funding and execution could challenge the overall effectiveness of the aid program. Stakeholders, particularly at the state and local levels, will need to address these gaps to ensure an efficient recovery process.