President Orders Disaster Aid For Tennessee Storm Victims
Release Date: July 29, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-160
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 (Memphis, TN, July 28, 2003) - Hundreds of line crews from all over the Southeast help the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Company restore power to thousands of residents still in the dark. Jason Pack/FEMA News Photo.  (Memphis, TN, July 28, 2003) - Chris Johnson, left, and Danny Daniels, with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency survey damage to a home in East Memphis. Jason Pack/FEMA News Photo. |
Washington, DC -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has ordered federal disaster aid for Tennessee to help families and businesses recover from the effects of severe storms that struck the southwestern part of the state last week.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA Director and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response at Homeland Security, said the President authorized the assistance under a major disaster declaration issued today following a review of FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private and public property from severe storms, high winds and heavy rains that occurred July 21-22.
Immediately after the declaration, Brown designated Shelby County eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments in the counties of Fayette and Shelby to pay 75 percent of the eligible cost for repairing or replacing public facilities damaged by the storms. Federal funding also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that additional designations may be made later based on the results of further damage assessments. He named Charles M. Butler to coordinate federal recovery operations.
Butler said affected residents and business owners in Shelby County can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available starting Wednesday, July 30, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizens Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 30-Jul-2003 14:23:22