Eight More Tennessee Counties Get Public Assistance
Release Date: April 18, 2006
Release Number: 1634-023
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms and Tornadoes
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Eight more Tennessee counties, already selected to receive state and federal assistance for residents who suffered losses from the recent storms and tornadoes, were designated Tuesday to also receive federal help in restoring damaged infrastructure.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency listed the counties as Benton, Cannon, Cheatham, Cumberland, Davidson, Dickson, Sumner and Warren. Dyer, Fayette, Gibson and Haywood counties previously were designated to receive such public and individual assistance. Tuesday’s action brings to 12 the number of Tennessee counties now eligible for public assistance, the program that reimburses state and local governments for extraordinary costs caused by the April 2 – 8 storms.
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.
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: Wednesday, 19-Apr-2006 08:21:46