President Biden approves federal disaster funding for Georgians hit hard by Helene [Video]

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for 11 Georgia counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The declaration makes federal funding available to people in Appling, Brooks, Coffee, Columbia, Jefferson, Liberty, Lowndes, Pierce, Richmond, Tattnall and Toombs counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover, according to the declaration.

Other federal funding is also available for eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work in these 11 counties and for statewide hazard mitigation measures, the declaration states.

In addition, FEMA announced that individuals can register for a one-time $750 payment to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. FEMA says those who register may also qualify for disaster-related financial assistance to repair storm-related damage …