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This week I traveled across the First District of Georgia to assess the damage from Hurricane Matthew and discuss response efforts. During my travels I saw incredible teamwork and unity.
I want to thank Governor Deal, our mayors, emergency managers, first responders, law enforcement, medical personnel, the National Guard, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Department of Natural Resources, our local news stations for keeping us informed, and countless others who prepared and responded to the storm. I also want to thank many of you for not only heeding the advice of safety officials, but also for coming together after the storm. In the wake of the storm, I've seen neighbors helping neighbors and that makes me proud to be a South Georgian.
While the storm has passed, we still have a long road ahead of us and I will continue to do everything I can to assist in the process.
This week I requested that the Internal Revenue Service extend the deadline for individual and business tax returns and tax payments for residents in Georgia counties affected by Hurricane Matthew. I also requested any additional tax relief available. Georgians affected by this devastating storm should be able to focus their efforts on rebuilding their lives rather than meeting IRS deadlines.
To continue receiving up-to-date information regarding storm response, visit buddycarter.house.gov/hurricanematthew.
As always, my staff and I are here for you in any capacity you may need so please do not hesitate to contact us. |
| From our NAtion's Capitol LXXVI |
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Monday, October 10, 2016: Waking up this morning, after a weekend of dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew that hit the coast of Georgia on Friday night and Saturday morning, I realize just how fortunate we are to have such dedicated emergency personnel, law enforcement and other public servants throughout our district. On Saturday morning, after the storm had subsided, I drove from my home in Pooler to the Civic Center in downtown Savannah for a press conference with other public officials and emergency personnel. Navigating the streets of downtown Savannah from Derenne Ave was like a maze with trees and downed power lines blocking streets at almost every intersection.
Rep. Carter views Hurricane Matthew damage at Tybee Island with Mayor Jason Buelterman |
Later in the day, I traveled to Tybee Island where Mayor Jason Buelterman and I were able to view the island from a helicopter provided by Chatham County. Although there was a lot of damage, Tybee Island fared much better than many had anticipated. My final visit on Saturday was to Travis Field to the Air National Guard Fire Station where I had the opportunity to personally thank the firemen and Guardsmen who did such an outstanding job during the storm. On Sunday morning, I was able to view Savannah and Tybee Island via a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to assess the damage there as well as thank the Coast Guard service members for their help during the storm. Later, I headed to the southern part of the district and Glynn County where I participated in a press conference at the Brunswick/Golden Isles Airport with Governor Nathan Deal and Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue. Afterwards, thanks to Glynn County Sherriff Neal Jump and his deputies, I was able to access St. Simons Island and observe the significant damage that they sustained. My final visit on Sunday was to Camden County and St. Marys to meet with county officials and Mayor John Morrisey to assess their damages. This morning, I have a conference call with U.S. Coast Guard Commander Beach, the Captain of the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick, to discuss the status of the ports and the process by which the ports will be assessed before they can reopen to harbor traffic.
Rep. Carter assesses Hurricane Matthew damage with the U.S. Coast Guard |
Next, I head to WTOC where I am a guest on Mid-Morning Live to discuss the clean-up and recovery efforts that lie ahead. Afterwards, I head to the other TV stations in Savannah, WJCL and WSAV, for interviews with them as well. In between, I have the opportunity to call in to WTKS radio station for an on-air interview. We are very fortunate in the Savannah area as well as throughout the First Congressional District to have outstanding media and print coverage during this disaster that has kept our citizens informed as we all pull together as a community. Next, I drive to Bryan County and Richmond Hill to meet with Commission Chairman Jimmy Burnsed, Mayor Harold Fowler and other county and city officials to assess the damage to their area. After an afternoon press conference at Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) headquarters, I head back to Pooler where, after having no electricity since Friday night, my electricity is finally restored late tonight.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016: Much of my day today is spent on the phone with different agencies getting updates on their progress and making certain that they have everything they need in order to perform their work.
Rep. Carter at a Hurricane Matthew evacuation shelter |
While we all recognize that we have a long road ahead of us before we get anywhere back to normal, if it were not for the work of CEMA, GEMA, FEMA, law enforcement and particularly the volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, we would be suffering even more. I also have the opportunity today to visit some of the evacuation shelters and to personally thank the many volunteers who are doing such a wonderful job in the most difficult of circumstances.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016: I begin today in Liberty County and Hinesville where I meet with Commission Chairman Donald Lovett, Mayor Allen Brown and other officials to assess the damage in their area. Like many of our counties in the First District, thanks to the preparation and response of emergency personnel and public officials, Liberty County fared much better than anticipated. From there, I head to McIntosh County and Darien where I meet with Sherriff Steve Jesup and county and city officials to tour their area.
Rep. Carter surveying Hurricane Matthew damage in McIntosh County |
Afterwards, I head to Brantley County and Nahunta to meet with county and city officials and discuss their situation. While the six coastal counties in the First District (Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn and Camden) have already been declared as disaster areas by the President, the inner counties such as Brantley and Wayne are still waiting for an assessment from GEMA and FEMA. After contacting GEMA and updating Brantley and Wayne Counties on their status, I head to Charlton County and Folkston to meet with officials there. My final visit of the day is to Glynn County where residents of St. Simons Island, one of the hardest hit areas in the district, are finally able to get back on the Island today. During all of my visits throughout the district this week, I have been amazed and encouraged with all the work of the different groups responding in our time of need, especially the power companies who have come from all over the South and have worked tirelessly to restore power to our area.
Thursday, October 13, 2016: As we get back to some normalcy today, I meet this morning with Georgia Ports officials and General Todd Semonite, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for an update and to review the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) as well as dredging at the Port of Brunswick.
Rep. Carter meeting with Georgia Ports Officials and General Todd Semonite |
These two projects are of the upmost importance to our district and to the Southeastern U.S. Afterwards, I head to Warner Robins where I spend most of the day touring the impressive Robins Air Force Base, one of our country’s finest bases. Later, I head to Atlanta for a meeting with Governor Nathan Deal, Senators Isakson and Perdue and other federal and state leaders.
Friday, October 14, 2016: I am in Nashville, Tennessee, today as I have been invited by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to speak at the ribbon cutting of the Dispensary of Hope, a charitable medication distributor that collects and distributes millions of dollars of pharmaceuticals to charitable clinics and pharmacies to dispense to low income and uninsured patients. As the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, this project is of particular interest to me as they are breaking down barriers with this innovative idea of partnering industry with local health providers to get people the medications they need. |
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