Georgia Asks President Bush for Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Impact from Tropical Storm Jeanne

ATLANTA - Governor Sonny Perdue today asked President Bush for an expedited major disaster declaration to assist counties and citizens with emergency responsive measures and losses resulting from Tropical Storm Jeanne.

“Tropical Storm Jeanne comes on the heels of two previous tropical systems that have had major impact on our state,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “We want to make sure that we are doing all we can to take care of Georgians and the communities impacted by this storm.”

The request is for a broad range of federal assistance for the following 32 counties:  Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Echols, Grady, Houston, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pulaski, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Wilcox and Worth.

This assistance is being requested as GEMA and FEMA continue to work with local officials to assess and recover from the impact of Tropical Storms Frances and Ivan.  Additional counties may be eligible pending assessments.

“We are again hopeful that our request will be quickly and favorably evaluated and approved,” said Governor Perdue.

For additional information on storm damage and assistance, please visit www.gema.state.ga.us and www.gemainfo.com .