One Year After the Storm: Augusta’s Recovery Update

September 29, 2025

Chiquita Richardson, Communications Manager

706-826-1359 (Office)

[email protected]

AUGUSTA, GA - (September 29, 2025) - The City of Augusta gathered with families, first responders, and community partners this past Saturday, September 27, to mark one year since Hurricane Helene struck Augusta as a tropical storm on September 27, 2024. The ceremony served as both a remembrance of the Augustans whose lives were lost and a reflection on the progress made in recovery over the past year.

During the ceremony, the following Augustans were remembered: Daverio Carter; Stephen and Izaac Donehoo; Uyen Xuan Le; Katherine McCall; Andrea Warner; and Caffee Wright. Their memory lives in the hearts of our community.

Alongside remembrance, city officials provided an update on recovery efforts to date.

Recovery Statistics:

• The City of Augusta submitted 47 projects to FEMA, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, roads and bridges, utilities, parks, and management costs.
• Estimated damages from Hurricane Helene totaled $81 million. Of that, $62.7 million has been submitted to FEMA, $22.4 million remains under review, $36.8 million has been approved by FEMA, $34.4 million has been reimbursed to Augusta, and $2.4 million is pending reimbursement.
• FEMA approved 46,000 applications, dispersing $65 million in assistance to residents.

Debris Removal:

• 4,467,034 cubic yards of debris were cleared.
• 528 root balls and 65 cemetery stumps were removed.
• 18,890 hazardous trees were taken down.

Augusta Canal:

• The trail between Headgates and the Raw Water Pumping Station remains closed through fall and winter as embankment repair plans are advanced. A professional engineer has completed a scope analysis, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing the design. Repairs are anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, with a reopening celebration planned.

Additional Recovery Assistance:

• The Georgia Department of Community Affairs OneGeorgia Authority appropriated $25 million during the 2025 Legislative Session to support disaster recovery statewide. The City of Augusta has applied for funds to continue assisting residents with infrastructure, housing, and employment opportunities.

Emergency Management Enhancements:

• The Augusta Commission approved the hiring of a dedicated Emergency Management Agency Director, who will report directly to the Mayor.
• Funding has been requested for a designated Emergency Operations Center to strengthen future disaster preparation.

"This past year has been marked by loss, resilience, and progress," said Mayor Garnett Johnson. "We honor the memory of those who are no longer with us, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to rebuild stronger, safer, and better prepared for the future."

For more information on recovery efforts, residents can visit Augustaga.gov.

Augusta-Richmond County

535 Telfair Street, Suite 910

Augusta , Georgia 30901

Office: (706) 821-2400 | Fax: (706) 821-2819

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Augusta, Georgia, is a dynamic and diverse community situated along the scenic Savannah River, approximately 150 miles east of Atlanta. As the second-largest city in Georgia, Augusta is renowned as the host of the internationally celebrated Masters Tournament and home to the U.S. Army's Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon. The city thrives on its robust industries, including medical, military, and education sectors. To learn more, visit augustaga.g o v and follow Augusta, Georgia Government on Facebook , Instagram ,and Twitter.