5/8/2003

Mayor asks for State, Federal assistance

Chattanooga, TN—This afternoon, Mayor Bob Corker joined County Executive Claude Ramsey, Chattanooga Public Works Administrator Bill McDonald and County Emergency Services Director Don Allen in surveying areas of the city hit hard by flooding.

The helicopter trip provided the Mayor and County Executive a sweeping perspective of the damage caused by the storm and the areas most in need of local, state and federal assistance.

Mayor Corker said, “There are several areas throughout the city that have suffered damage as a result of this storm.  Many houses and businesses are under water and many of our citizens have been displaced because of the significant flooding that our community has experienced.  City workers in public works, the fire and police departments have all done great work in providing assistance during this difficult time and will continue to help our citizens in any way possible.” 

In addition to being in contact with the Governor’s Office, Mayor Corker’s Office has also been in close communication with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and working with Hamilton County Emergency Services, has requested federal aid to for the city.

Mayor Corker added, “I have talked to Governor Bredesen to make him aware of the scope of the problems in Chattanooga and he has pledged to provide all possible assistance to the areas of the community affected by the storm.”

For more information, contact Todd Womack, Communications Director, at 423-757-5168

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