Application Period Opens for Agriculture Relief Funds

ATLANTA - Today, Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) announced the application periods for agriculture relief funds through the Georgia Forestry Commission, SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program and The Weathered But Strong Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund are now open.

"Across Southeast Georgia, our farmers and timber producers are facing historic losses and devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene," said House Speaker Jon Burns. "The Georgia House is proud to work alongside Commissioner Harper, Governor Kemp and Lieutenant Governor Jones to secure this critical relief for the men and women who put food on our tables and keep our No. 1 industry running. We're grateful to the Georgia Development Authority and our partners throughout the state who have made these funds available, and we will continue working with our Congressional Delegation until our farmers, citizens and communities have received every available asset and resource they need to recover."

Please see the below information regarding the application process and requirements for each relief fund:

Georgia Forestry Commission Programs

The Georgia Forestry Commission is accepting applications for two separate relief funds for Georgia foresters impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Hurricane Helene Fuel Mitigation (FMit) Program aims to help landowners manage forest fuels resulting from Hurricane Helene to improve public safety and reduce wildfire risk in impacted areas.

To view the requirements and apply for the FMit program, please visit the link below:

Applications for the FMit program will be accepted through Friday, December 13, 2024.

The Georgia Forestry Commission is also accepting applications for The Forest Access Road and Firebreak Restoration Project which aims to allow for the clearing of forest debris from existing firebreaks and roads at no cost to the landowner.

To view program requirements and apply for The Forest Access Road and Firebreaks Restoration Project, please visit the link below:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cc6827dcf2294113a6a0aaafe477c131?width=1000

Applications for The Forest Access Road and Firebreaks Restoration Project will be accepted through Friday, December 6, 2024.

SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program

The Georgia Development Authority has opened applications for the SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program to farm operators who suffered losses from Hurricane Helene and reside in a FEMA-designated disaster area or adjacent county. Applicants are eligible to receive up to $500,000 at a 2% fixed interest rate.

To view program requirements and apply for the SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program, please visit the link below:

https://www.gdaonline.com/hurricane-helene-loan-program

Weathered But Strong Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund

The Weathered But Strong Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund and its more than 40 agriculture partners are accepting applications from Georgia farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. This fund aims to provide critical financial assistance to those in need.

Aid is available to all eligible applicants, with applications evaluated based on disaster-related financial or resource needs, prioritizing those most affected to benefit the broader community.

To view program requirements and apply for the Weathered But Strong Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund, please visit the link below:

https://www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org/application

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, December, 31, 2024.

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