Gov. Nathan Deal has authorized the use of $4 million from his emergency fund for Jekyll Island to repair damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Matthew.
In an executive order issued Wednesday, Deal authorized the transfer to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. That money will be used to repair and restore beach erosion prevention materials damaged by the hurricanes in 2016 and 2017.
State environmental officials have quietly begun to draft long-term plans to help coastal counties adapt to rising sea levels and climate change. Deal said in September he's open to broader beach restoration programs.
But the Republican said the state should have a limited role in shaping local responses to rising sea levels and fiercer storms, and that it’s up to local authorities to decide whether to impose new restrictions on development along the coast. Deal said he will seek additional money in the state’s budget to deal with beach erosion in other parts of the state.
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