U.S Rep. Buddy Carter called the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster recovery center in Midway, a "one-stop shop" for people in need of assistance.
The Savannah Republican, who represents Georgia’s First District, visited the center at the Liberty County Community Complex Wednesday, and talked to local officials, and Small Business Administration and FEMA representatives. He commended the workers at the recovery center.
"I believe in giving credit where credit is due and FEMA and all the personnel here in Liberty County have done an outstanding job," Carter said. "This disaster recovery area is a great idea because you can come here in way of assistance. Not only that, but people who come here don’t know that all this assistance is available."
He called the operation good and efficient.
SBA has been helping businesses, homeowners and renters, referred by FEMA, apply for disaster recovery loans.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace real estate damaged or destroyed in the storm. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.
Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
"We want to get them back to a state of normalcy and this helps us to do that," Carter said.
The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is Dec. 12.
Gary Petty, FEMA media relations specialist, said anyone with storm related damages and injuries needs to register.
"Just do it because you won’t know otherwise until you apply and register if you can receive funds," Petty said. "Also if applicants receive a termination letter it does not mean that they have been automatically rejected. It could mean that they need to provide more information."
A FEMA app is available for download through the Apple store or Google Play, where applicants can check their status, locate disaster recovery centers, apply online and receive weather alerts.
Patty Leon contributed to this story.