ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he expects the impact from Helene to be more costly than 2018 Hurricane Michael, whose relief efforts came in at nearly $2.5 billion.
In an update after a tour of damage in Valdosta, Georgia, the governor said the state has seen more than 100 poultry facilities either damaged or totally destroyed. More than a dozen dairies have been affected. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said there was also significant damage to the state's cotton and tree nut crops, as well as timber industry.
"Literally every commodity in this state has been damaged by this storm," Kemp said.
U.S. Congressman Austin Scott, who is the vice chair on the Agriculture Committee, said he aims to get relief to Georgia farmers in a "very bipartisan manner" similar to the way that relief was provided for Hurricane Michael.
"You will see your Georgia delegation that represents these areas out there together, making sure that the American citizens know that when we get back to Washington, there will be a bipartisan disaster relief package passed," he said.
Meanwhile, Harper asked for farmers to document the damage so the state can understand the totality of the disaster.
"Document, document, document," he said. "I know we want to hurry up and clean up. But the more we can document the damage, the better information we have to get the needed resources and the help that we can from our federal partners and others to be able to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible."