State begins ratcheting down response to sprawling ice storm
Georgia’s emergency command began ratcheting down its response Friday to the devastating storms that dumped snow and ice on the region.
Gov. Nathan Deal said he briefed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson early Friday and that he’s hopeful Georgia can secure federal funds to help pay for the cleanup. Deal, a frequent critic of the White House, said disaster assistance would be a welcome help.
“There are times when people don’t want us to cooperate with the federal government,” said Deal. “This is not one of those times.”
Thousands remain without power, mostly around Augusta, but Deal said other hard-hit areas are returning to normal. Department of Transportation crews are treating menacing patches of black ice scattered on roadways.
He also extended a state of emergency declaration for 15 counties in northeast Georgia, including Augusta’s Richmond County, until Wednesday. At least 200 homes in the Augusta area have suffered structural damage, and Deal asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct inspections on hard-hit areas.
Deal said he was pleased with the response of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, which came under fire for mishaps leading to the Jan. 28 snowfall that gridlocked Atlanta. He said state officials made the most of the second chance.
“If you do things right, it does restore confidence,” said Deal. “And I think we did things right this time.”
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
