Senator Warnock announces $300 million in Hurricane Helene relief for Georgia

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock said long-awaited relief funding for Hurricane Helene is now coming to Georgia.

The National Weather Service says Helene was the deadliest hurricane since Katrina, killing 37 Georgians. Warnock said Wednesday that around $300 million is now on the way in federal funding.

He said it’s welcomed relief, but funds that should have been released sooner.

“Disasters don’t ask are you red, blue, democrat or republican and so I’m glad to see these funds being released. I think people will breathe a sigh of relief but let me be clear we’re only half way there,” Warnock said. “I released a report in September that said $500 million is owed and we’ve since learned that it’s over $600 million.”

We reached out to FEMA for comment.

“On December 12, 2025, DHS announced more than $1 billion in federal funding to healthcare facilities and the state to repair and restore critical infrastructure as the administration is  committed to empowering states as they lead their disaster response and recovery. This administration is also committed to ensuring American tax dollars are used appropriately and efficiently by the states to supplement — not substitute, their obligation to respond to and recover from disasters. Each disaster is unique, and recovery timelines will look different across every type of disaster and community. FEMA continues to work closely with the state of Georgia to assess disaster impacts and the type of federal assistance that may be needed.”

FEMA Spokesperson