One Year Later: $97.5 Million In Federal Funding Helps Tennessee Tornado And Flood Victims Recover
Release Date: April 30, 2004
Release Number: R4-04-078
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ATLANTA, Ga. - The violent storm system that sent deadly tornadoes spinning in darkness through the Jackson, Tennessee, area a year ago next week and caused massive flooding throughout the state has produced disaster assistance totaling more than $97.5 million in grants and loans.
"These storms were among the worst series of storms to ever hit Tennessee, affecting a vast number of residents statewide," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "One year later, we are pleased to see how the partnership between FEMA and the state of Tennessee has helped so many individuals and communities get back on their feet. We will continue our efforts to help in the recovery as long as necessary."
A summary of assistance shows that FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), during the year following the storm, has done the following:
- Responded to 13,788 residents - nearly half from Madison County - who applied for disaster assistance.
- Provided $9 million to 4,711 homeowners and renters from FEMA's Housing Assistance program that provides money for repairs and rental assistance.
- Granted $13 million to 3,515 storm victims to cover other needs related to the disaster, such as funeral and dental expenses resulting from the disaster, loss of personal property and transportation. Both the Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance programs are administered by FEMA.
- Allotted $149,820 for disaster unemployment assistance for those whose jobs were temporarily interrupted or wiped out by the storm.
- Provided $77,256 for crisis counseling to storm victims to help deal with storm-related trauma.
- Reimbursed the state and local governments $33.5 million in Public Assistance program funding to 205 applicants for repair, replacement or clean up of damaged roads and bridges, public buildings, and water control facilities. Most of this was for municipal utilities, the removal of debris from rights-of-way, and overtime costs for emergency personnel. The figure represents 75 percent of the overall cost.
- Awarded $41.9 million in SBA low-interest loans to 1,194 homeowners, renters and businesses that sustained damage and were not fully compensated by insurance. Half of that went to persons in Madison County (Jackson) alone. The SBA partners with FEMA on post-disaster recovery efforts.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 05-May-2004 14:07:28