Deal Calls For Special Legislative Session To Address Hurricane Costs
Georgia’s governor says many communities in southwest Georgia sustained heavy losses from Hurricane Michael earlier this month. He wants to make sure those areas have the resources they need to recover.
John Amis / Associated Press
Gov. Nathan Deal says he’s notified Georgia legislative leaders he plans to convene a special session of the Georgia General Assembly next month. It’s to address the damage caused by Hurricane Michael earlier this month.
The governor says many communities in southwest Georgia sustained heavy losses from the storm and he wants to make sure those areas have the resources they need to recover.
“Georgia was severely impacted by Hurricane Michael and many communities across our state sustained heavy financial losses,” Deal said in a release. “In response, I will ask the General Assembly to take immediate action and lead the way in spurring rapid economic recovery for southwest Georgia communities.
Georgia’s agriculture industry was hit particularly hard by the storm. State officials recently estimated nearly $3 billion dollars in damages to timber, cotton, and pecan crops and said those costs were likely to continue to rise.
State agriculture commissioner Gary Black said the damages represented the state’s “worst dream being realized.”
“Our state budget also needs to be amended to ensure that we adequately cover our obligations,” Deal said. “I hope to work quickly with the General Assembly in the coming days to provide support to the Georgia communities that need it most.”
The special session is scheduled to get underway Nov. 13. That’s after the midterm elections when Georgians will vote for a new governor. Deal’s replacement will take office next year.
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