Georgia to receive over $531M in federal relief for Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program

GEORGIA (WRBL) — Following the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, it was announced by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper and United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins that the state will receive federal funding.

The state will receive approximately $531,236,000 in federal funds for the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program, according to the commissioner.

A press release that was issued out on Tuesday by Harper says that the state’s Block Grant Program will cover future economic losses, infrastructure losses, and timber losses caused by the storm.

Gov. Brian Kemp reacted to the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter in a post that said:

“Great news for Georgia’s farming families and our No. 1 industry! Commissioner Harper and his

@GADeptAg team worked hard on this deal to bring home the maximum possible amount of federal relief. This will cover as many Georgia farmers as possible, and I’m thankful for their tireless efforts as we continue to support hard-hit communities still recovering from Helene.”

“I am incredibly proud to announce the State of Georgia will receive $531,236,000 in federal funding to provide much-needed relief to impacted farmers and producers through Georgia’s Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program,” Harper said.

He added, “This funding is absolutely essential to help our farm families bounce back from Hurricane Helene, and our team invested hundreds of hours into the negotiation process to secure the maximum possible amount of federal funding for our state and our producers. I want to thank Sec. Brooke Rollins and her team at USDA FSA for understanding the urgency of the situation and their strong partnership and collaboration throughout this process, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Trump Administration to deliver real results for Georgia farmers.”

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins also provided her thoughts on the announcement by saying:

“Farmers and ranchers in Georgia have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during 2024. USDA is working closely with the State of Georgia to ensure those impacted have the relief they need.”

She continued, “The Trump Administration has our farmers’ backs and will ensure they have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world.” 

Harper says state officials are continuing to work with the USDA to finalize administrative details in the state’s block grant agreement and corresponding work plan.

RELATED: Remembering Hurricane Helene: One year anniversary