TREUTLEN COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia farmers and foresters impacted by Hurricane Helene will soon receive state help to support their clean-up efforts. Earlier this month, Governor Brian Kemp approved $100 million in disaster relief loans and grants.
Will Heath and wife Alice maintain a timber farm in Treutlen County, specializing in longleaf trees which produce pine straw. He said Hurricane Helene wiped out 50% to 60% of his trees, adding his trees weren't ready for harvest. He said this government help is important because his crops aren't insured.
"You have input on year one and wait 15 years before you get reimbursed some of that input," Heath said.
He said while state money won't refund his losses, it'll help support him while he cleans up.
"Without government help or a grant, a lot of the land is gonna be like this in 15 years from now," Heath said.
Jake Matthews, Georgia Forestry Association Vice President of Government Affairs, said the storm caused $1.28 billion in damages in the timber industry. It's path went through 8.9 million acres state-wide, so he said reforestation will be costly.
"Typically your reforestation cost, just what it costs to get your site prep done and get trees back in the ground, you're looking at $400 per acre," Matthews said.
Matthews said his forestry organization is advocating to state and federal policy makers in support of the timber industry. Heath encourages all affected farmers to push for more relief and aid.
"I just encourage people to stay in their legislators' and their elected officials' ears and tell them just how important it is that this industry continues," Heath said.
25% of the funding will support timber farmers, while the remaining state funds are for disaster relief loans, eligible for anyone in agribusiness.