PRESS RELEASE // ATLANTA, GA – Nine more Georgia counties are now eligible to apply for FEMA’s Public Assistance funding to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas that sustained damage from Hurricane Matthew.

Brantley, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins, Long, Pierce, Tattnall and Toombs counties may request funding under the Public Assistance grant program. Assistance would cover eligible debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or rebuilding of public facilities such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, equipment, public utilities, parks and recreational facilities.

The president’s Oct. 8 major disaster declaration for Georgia was for Matthew damage that occurred Oct. 4-15. The declaration was amended to make Public Assistance funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for all seven categories including emergency work, restoration of infrastructure and direct federal assistance.

The 10 counties previously approved for Public Assistance funding—Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, McIntosh, Screven and Wayne—are now included in the amended declaration and can apply for funding to repair and rebuild public facilities.

Public Assistance funding for the state and designated counties may include payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health as a result of the storm.

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of state/federal applicant briefings to be announced in the affected area. Approved projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA.

For updates on Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4284.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.