In visit to Augusta, VP Harris says feds will reimburse emergency costs related to Helene

President Joe Biden approved 100% federal reimbursement for local and state emergency costs related to Hurricane Helene, Vice President Kamala Harris announced at a news conference in Augusta Tuesday.

The funds will cover response efforts such as food, water, shelter and debris removal, Harris said.

Additionally, anyone with “immediate needs to be met such as food, baby formula and the like,” is eligible to apply for $750 in federal relief and assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Harris said.

“The assessment of the damage is being done across the board and of course the highest priority is to locate and determine individuals, people who are in need and making sure that we are getting to them as quickly as possible,” the presidential candidate said.

Harris visited Augusta to assess the damage from Helene in person. She spoke in front of a brick house surrounded by large fallen trees.

Harris recalled conversations she had with Augusta residents who lost family members during the storm, and others who have not been able to leave their homes.

“I was speaking with one of the residents of the community who needs that big tree removed so she can actually get to work and make sure that her child is able to get to school when schools reopen,” the vice president said.

She thanked Gov. Brian Kemp, Sen. Jon Ossoff, Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, first responders, and others working to support those affected.

“There’s a lot of work that’s going to need to happen over the coming days, weeks and months, and the coordination that we have dedicated ourselves to will be long lasting to get families, residents and neighborhoods back up and running,” Harris said.

This story was originally published October 2, 2024 at 8:48 PM.