FEMA funds drying up just as local need arises for flood aid

SYLVANIA, Ga. (WTOC) - Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are scattered throughout Screven County and other areas of the Peach State assessing damage from Tropical Storm Debby’s floodwaters.

It’s a key step toward getting possible federal relief for flood victims.

Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp extended his State of Emergency order for all counties in the state.

The order will help with the response to Tropical Storm Debby.

The State of Emergency went into effect Aug. 3 and will now expire Aug. 20.

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Thursday was a big day for Golden Harvest as it cut the ribbon on its new produce rescue center. Volunteers then went straight to work, handling fresh produce for hundreds of hunger relief organizations in the area.

If the assessed damage is deemed eligible for federal help, Georgia Emergency Management Agency officials say Kemp will send a letter to President Joe Biden.

At that point, individual or public federal disaster relief may become available.

It’s where that aid will come from that has some concerned.

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The Augusta Partnership for Children says that every Wednesday in August, they’ll give away baby formula to those in need.

FEMA announced its disaster relief fund has run out of money – now only being used for “lifesaving and life-sustaining activities.”

“We are getting toward the end of the fiscal year and this normally does happen,” said U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter.

He says Congress is expected to take up FEMA funding when lawmakers return next month.

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He notes that this was a measure lawmakers did not vote on before going into recess but does not think it will cause a delay in potential aid for flood victims.

“In this case, we are going to have to have some supplemental funding in order to get FEMA through,” Carter said.