President Authorizes Disaster Aid For Tennessee Storms
Release Date: May 8, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-107
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Washington, D.C. -- Federal disaster aid has been authorized by President Bush to help families and communities in Tennessee recover from the rash of deadly tornadoes and other extreme weather that started last Sunday, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.
Michael D. Brown, FEMA director and undersecretary for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued this afternoon after receiving FEMAs analysis of the states request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private and public property from severe storms, tornadoes and floods beginning on May 4.
"President Bush recognizes the devastation caused by these storms and has committed the federal resources to help people get back on their feet," Brown said. "FEMA will be there every step of the way to make sure that everyone gets the assistance they need to go on with their lives as quickly as possible."
Following the declaration, Brown designated the following 20 counties eligible for aid to stricken residents and business owners: Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Crockett, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Houston, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, Montgomery, Obion, Robertson, Stewart and Weakley.
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 Dyer, Madison, Montgomery and Weakley to pay 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and the restoration of damaged public facilities. The declaration also makes cost-shared funding available to the state for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
Brown indicated that damage surveys are continuing and additional designations may be made later based on the results of the assessments. He named Michael E. Bolch of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Bolch said those who sustained losses in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners 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 Friday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 11:38:39