South Georgia communities to receive millions as Sen. Warnock secures $300M in Helene recovery funds

SOUTH GEORGIA, (WALB) - U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock has announced that more than $300 million in long-awaited Hurricane Helene recovery funds are finally being released to Georgia communities, with a significant share headed to South Georgia.

After months of pressing federal officials, Senator Warnock said FEMA has approved $314 million owed to counties and cities for cleanup and rebuilding expenses following Helene’s destruction. Several South Georgia localities were among the largest recipients, including:

• City of Adel - $1,066,649.61
• Atkinson County - $3,628,939.06
• Coffee County - $18,347,974.62
• City of Douglas - $2,010,612.90
• Lanier County - $11,484,928.86
• City of Valdosta - $14,795,727.56

Warnock said communities began recovery work with the expectation that the federal government would reimburse their costs. He criticized delays in disbursing the funds but vowed to continue pushing until every outstanding dollar reaches Georgia cities and counties.

FEMA’s latest release marks a major step in fulfilling federal commitments to South Georgia’s hardest-hit areas.

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