The Atlanta Journal Constitution writes the cost of hurricane impacts is skyrocketing, going from $156 million in federal aid costs (2017) to $650 million after 2024’s Hurricane Helene. The Trump administration said they are going to reduce federal spending, including cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This is concerning because the rise of extreme weather, like hurricanes or droughts, is worsening, as are rising disaster costs. These factors negatively impact civilians across Georgia.
Pledges of up to $747 million in federal aid were made after Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby. These pledges were meant to cover infrastructure, agriculture, and community damages, to name a few. The amount of aid Georgians have been getting after disasters is concerningly low, and is falling.
The Trump administration believes that this is the right thing to do. States should be responsible for a majority of disaster relief. Before, the federal government would typically cover 75% of disaster recovery costs. If this disappears, the Georgia budget, and Georgia’s economy is in peril. In a recent report, the credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings declares shifting disaster costs to states might create financial pressure for states and local governments.
“In total, Hurricane Helene will cost Georgia’s economy at least $5.5 billion in agricultural and timber losses” according to the University of Georgia’s Extension report. Georgia alone saw 37 deaths . Georgia’s total budget was $37B in FY 2026. If we have to cover all of Helene’s costs, that is over 10% of the state’s annual budget.
The rising frequency and severity of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene highlight the urgent need for science-based planning and policy. As disaster costs soar and federal aid becomes less reliable, understanding climate trends and improving forecasting, infrastructure resilience, and emergency response strategies through scientific research is essential. Without it, states like Georgia will face mounting economic losses, human tragedies, and long-term instability. Science must guide both federal and state decisions to better protect communities and build a more resilient future.
