ATLANTA – State Representatives Josh Bonner (R-Fayetteville), Lynn Smith (R-Newnan) and State Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan) are praising Governor Brian Kemp’s recent announcement that he will authorize the release of $1 million from the Governor’s Emergency Fund to support disaster relief operations in Coweta County stemming from the EF-4 tornado that hit Newnan, Ga. in March 2021.
“The decision by the Biden Administration to deny assistance to Coweta County was disappointing,” said Rep. Bonner. “Fortunately, Governor Kemp understands the need and is eager to help. These funds are sorely needed and will be a tremendous boost to our community.”
“Governor Kemp has once more stepped in to help the tornado victims of our community,” said Rep. Smith. “I am very grateful that he heard and acted on the pleas for help for our most needy!”
“This is just another example of the great partnership between the State of Georgia, Coweta County and the City of Newnan,” said Sen. Brass. “This partnership has been on full display from the moment the EF-4 tornado ravaged our community all the way through today. I thank the governor for this funding and firmly believe it will help pave the road to recovery for both our beloved city and county.”
This funding will be provided through the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) to the Coweta County Emergency Management Agency and will reimburse the county for a portion of the funds that the county paid as part of a cost sharing requirement. Of the $29 million in damages resulting from this tornado, $23 million of that damage occurred in Coweta County. More than 1,700 homes were damaged and over 70 homes were destroyed by this tornado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) previously denied the state’s request for federal assistance. As a result, members of the Coweta County Legislative Delegation then petitioned Governor Kemp to release the funds through the Governor’s Emergency Fund.
Representative Josh Bonner represents the citizens of District 72, which includes portions of Coweta and Fayette counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2016, and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee and Vice Chairman of the Creative Arts & Entertainment Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, Economic Development & Tourism, Human Relations & Aging, Interstate Cooperation and Industry and Labor committees.
Representative Lynn Smith represents the citizens of District 70, which includes portions of Carroll and Coweta counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. She also serves on the Special Committee on Election Integrity, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Creative Arts & Entertainment and Rules committees.
Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. Sen. Brass represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Troup, Carroll and Fulton Counties.
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