The U.S. Travel Association is calling on Congressional leaders to pass substantial disaster relief to regions devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton as soon as Congress reconvenes.
In the letter, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman writes: “We urge you to swiftly pass a disaster supplemental appropriations bill by Thanksgiving to support communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Damage caused by these storms is estimated to total more than $100 billion dollars, with downstream impacts on travel, visitor spending, hotel bookings, tax revenues and employment.
“In states hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the travel industry accounts for more than 2 million jobs, $282 billion in travel spending and more than $20 billion in state and local tax receipts, Freeman said. “Past hurricanes demonstrate that it takes an average of 6-12 months before travel spending returns to baseline levels…. North Carolina’s Mountain region, home to 47,000 travel industry workers, stands to lose $2.1 billion in visitor spending this fall alone.”
Anna Maria Island, Florida in better times. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Freeman said it’s crucial for Congress to jumpstart recovery by providing more than $35 billion in CDBG-DR funding and waiver authority for the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to tailor the program’s eligibility to meet the needs of impacted communities.
“For example, visitation to Asheville/Buncombe County, NC, has dropped to record lows after Hurricane Helene destroyed highways, roads and water utilities. Without visitors, small travel businesses are unable to meet payroll and basic operating expenses. When processed expeditiously, CDBG-DR grants will revive travel to communities by providing critical resources to small businesses and rebuilding.
“Given the urgency of the need, Congress should endeavor to pass disaster relief legislation before Thanksgiving to help these communities recover and avoid further economic damage,” the USTA said.
