Concerns raised about potential cuts to NOAA, FEMA funding

• Augusta officials and advocates highlighted the impact of Hurricane Helene and the need for climate action and disaster preparedness.
• Speakers emphasized the uneven impact of the hurricane on vulnerable communities and the slow recovery process.
• Concerns were raised about potential cuts to NOAA and FEMA funding, impacting future disaster response.

Augusta officials spotlighted hurricane recovery and urged action on addressing climate threats and the importance of preparedness during a talk on Wednesday.

Environmental advocates and elected officials gathered for the Extreme Weather Emergency Tour held at May Park Community Center on 4th Street in Augusta. Georgia state Sen. Harold Jones recalled events surrounding Hurricane Helene in his plea for more attention from lawmakers.

“Right here at May Park, recreation and other locations transitioned from a place of fun and play to one where people have had to use it as a refuge for their very survival,” said Jones. “Although the severity of the storm took most of us by surprise, the warning signs had been there. Augusta, for instance, had already seen severe weather events such as the 2014 ice storm.

“We can no longer ignore the signs, because the human economic toll is catastrophic.”

The Extreme Weather Emergency Tour, a four-state press tour, focused on how climate-fueled disasters are becoming more dangerous and deadly across the United States.

“Twenty-nine lives were lost in our area,” said Jones. “Over 300 homes were destroyed. Over 3,000 people suffered major home damage. The cleanup is still ongoing in 2025. But unfortunately, the federal government is in the process of cutting or creating uncertainty on whether needed federal agencies and funds will be available for the next severe weather event.”

Jones said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to suffer a reduction in its workforce.

“With over 600 employees being cut or taking buyouts at NOAA, that constitutes an almost 70%  workforce reduction,” said Jones. “We know there have been proposed cuts to FEMA, which means that if there is another severe weather event, there will be uncertainty regarding what FEMA and other state agencies will be able to offer (in) resources.”

Jones said another severe weather event could happen and pleaded with lawmakers to fund FEMA and NOAA, and provide the needed funding to communities hit by extreme weather catastrophes. He also asked that the Augusta area’s congressional delegation start taking measures to combat climate change.

Paige Brockmeyer with Citizens Climate Lobby and a registered nurse; Traci George, an activist; and, Cassandra Loftlin, Healthy Communities coordinator at Savannah Riverkeeper, were also in attendance.

“When Hurricane Helene hit, that hit was not felt evenly across the city …,” said Loftlin, noting east Augusta in particular. “The recovery was slow and brutal, and in a neighborhood that already suffers health inequalities, low income, and low resources, it was a struggle.”

Loftlin said the damage following Hurricane Helene was catastrophic.

“I had roof damage, but I’m fortunate,” she said. “I actually have homeowners’ insurance. Many of my neighbors don’t. In an older neighborhood like mine, that’s the third generation. When the mortgage is paid off, many people opt to cancel their homeowners’ insurance. When funds are tight, insurance is the first thing to go.”

Loftlin said many members of her community didn’t have money for home repairs following Helene.

“There was no money to fix roofs in east Augusta,” she said. “Tarps were used as a permanent fix. The risk didn’t end once Helene passed. Damaged roofs and exposed wiring, along with the heavy rains that followed, created many fires in my neighborhood. As you know, FEMA doesn’t step in until three days after a hurricane. Those three days can mean life or death for a low-income neighborhood.”

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.