The Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission unanimously approved the reallocation of $100 million toward relief efforts, according to a report. press release released Friday by Gov. Brian Kemp’s office.

The funds were initially intended to be transformed into a program of funds for investment projects. Most of it ($75 million) will be used to create disaster relief loans for those in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, $25 million will support cleanup efforts for those in the timber industry, including removing debris from forest lands and strengthening firefighting measures.

FEMA Jobs: FEMA’s local recruiting program has several positions in Georgia, including Savannah and Augusta.

“While we are still assessing the full impact and devastation of Hurricane Helene, we are certain that members of our agricultural and timber-producing communities have suffered a generational loss,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “This $100 million investment builds on the efforts many people have already made to help their neighbors get back on their feet and rebuild, one step at a time.” I want to thank Governor Brian Kemp, Chairman Jon Burns, the GSFIC Board of Directors, and all other partners contributing to these efforts. This is the Georgian way, and this is exactly how we will emerge stronger than before.”

Kemp’s statement said disruptions in the agri-food sector can negatively impact other areas of employment and trade. University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences estimates that Hurricane Helene caused approximately $6.46 billion in damage to the state’s agriculture and forestry industries, more than triple the damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018. Governor calls for federal relief funds in the form of block grants to further help farmers.