Hart County Added to FEMA’s Disaster Declaration

The Federal Emergency Management Agency added Hart County to the State of Georgia’s recent disaster declaration from the severe winter storm of Feb. 15-17.

Hart County joins 15 other counties already receiving federal assistance as a result of the presidential disaster declaration signed April 20, 2015.

Hart County was added to the declaration following new damage assessments requested by the state, and conducted by local officials, representatives of Georgia Emergency Management Agency and FEMA.

Previously declared counties include: Banks, Barrow, Dawson, Elbert, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Limpkin, Madison, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Stephens and White.

Eligible government entities and certain private nonprofits in the declared counties can apply for reimbursement of specific expenses related to disaster response and recovery under FEMA’s Public Assistance program.

The Public Assistance program provides a 75 percent funding reimbursement for costs related to debris removal, emergency protective measures and rebuilding and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and recreational facilities.