More flood relief info

A message from Johnny Isakson, State Representative:

"Last week, our state witnessed a series of severe storms that resulted in flooding across much of north Georgia and the metro Atlanta area. As a result, Gov. Sonny Perdue requested a federal disaster declaration from President Obama to assist the affected areas.


On September 24, 2009, President Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Georgia, triggering the release of federal funds to help individuals recover from the severe storms and flooding that began September 18, 2009, and continuing. Currently, the counties of Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale, Stephens and Walker have been designated for Individual Assistance, and all counties are eligible to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.


Individual Assistance can include temporary housing assistance for eligible applicants such as rental assistance and repair assistance. If you sustained damage during these storms and live in one of the designated counties, I encourage you to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 for individuals with speech or hearing disabilities. If you have Internet access, you may apply for disaster assistance online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov.


In addition, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Paulding, Stephens and Walker counties are also now eligible for Public Assistance. This assistance provides funding on a cost-sharing basis to local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the repair or replacement of damaged roads, dams, bridges, water treatment facilities, publicly-owned utilities and other types of infrastructure.


I have been in communication with state emergency officials as well as local government officials in counties affected by this severe weather and flooding. Last week, I toured some of the damaged areas with Vice President Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Fugate. I believe it was very important for the administration to see firsthand the destruction that has taken place, and I hope it helps them understand the urgency of getting help to all of Georgia's affected communities.


I have compiled the latest information on disaster response and recovery activities on my website. Please visit http://www.isakson.senate.gov/flooding.html for more information, including a list of local disaster relief centers."
(signed)

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson
United States Senator