Three Counties Get Public Assistance
Release Date: April 12, 2006
Release Number: 1634-010
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JACKSON, Tenn. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency Wednesday made three Tennessee tornado disaster counties eligible for public assistance, the program that reimburses state and local governments for extraordinary spending made necessary by the tornados and severe storms of April 2.
The designated counties are Dyer, Gibson and Fayette. Dyer and Gibson previously were declared eligible for individual assistance, the program that gives financial aid to individuals and families.
Public assistance will allow public agencies and certain nonprofit organizations that provide an essential public service to seek reimbursement of 75 percent of eligible spending for recovery operations. The balance is paid by non-federal sources.
These operations include debris removal, overtime for police and other public workers and repair or restoration of roads and bridges, public utilities, water control facilities and public buildings.
The designation followed a request by Gov. Phil Bredesen. The governor’s request to include other counties is still being reviewed.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Apr-2006 10:29:38