The funding — which includes major allocations for healthcare pandemic costs, storm debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and hazard-mitigation projects — comes as the Trump administration pursues a restructuring of FEMA amid scrutiny over the agency’s performance during previous disasters. (Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty Images / Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Specifically, $671 million for emergency protective measures taken by Georgia healthcare facilities, including the employment of nurses and clinical care staff, sanitization efforts, personal protective equipment, and testing supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among other funds: $350 million for more than 140 recovery projects related to Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby, including $140 million to remove debris across more than 20 local jurisdictions; $179 million for emergency protective measures taken by local governments, electrical cooperatives and universities; and $17 million to repair roads, bridges and culverts across more than 20 municipalities.
The remaining amount of funding is designated to support repairing public buildings and utilities across multiple communities, and investments in hazard-mitigation projects like eliminating repetitive flood risks in Richmond Hill, and providing generators statewide.
President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to revamp FEMA.
Hurricane Helene made landfall on Sept. 26, 2024, as a devastating Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that reached winds of up to 140 mph.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimated that the storm caused roughly $79 billion in total damages, a historic amount that ranks among the most costly storms in U.S. history.
Roughly 250 people were killed in the U.S., the most lives that have been taken by a storm in the country since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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At the time, FEMA was heavily criticized under the Biden administration for the pace of effort and the scope of aid, prompting congressional hearings examining FEMA’s preparedness, response, and recovery tactics and efforts.
FEMA’s role in the recovery efforts was a key talking point for GOP officials on why the agency would be in need of an overhaul.
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/noem-announces-1b-fema-payout-georgia-trump-administration-eyes-agency-overhaul