Most counties labeled primary disaster areas
ATLANTA --- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 146 of 159 Georgia counties -- including Richmond and Columbia counties -- primary disaster areas because of production losses caused by prolonged drought and high temperatures.
The governor's office said Thursday that the designation is in response to Gov. Sonny Perdue's request last month.
Mr. Perdue said Georgia farmers have "significant economic losses due to the dry conditions in Georgia," and he is pleased financial relief will be made available.
Twelve counties were named contiguous disaster areas: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Bulloch, Camden, Coffee, Glynn, Liberty, Long, Terrell, Ware, and Wayne.
The only county not covered by either designation is McIntosh.
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