Governor Brian Kemp Signs Hurricane Relief Legislation at Georgia Forestry Association Headquarters

On May 8, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a critical relief package to support forest landowners and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

With more than $1.28 billion in timber losses, Hurricane Helene delivered a generational impact to Georgia’s forest economy. This legislation provides essential resources to help landowners replant, rebuild, and recover — safeguarding livelihoods and restoring the health of our working forests.

In the storm’s immediate aftermath, the GFA team mobilized swiftly, advocating on behalf of the families, businesses, and communities that make Georgia the #1 forestry state in the nation. Their efforts helped ensure that recovery would not be delayed — and that forestry remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s economic future.