Some Governments Have To Apply This Week For Disaster Aid 

Release Date: March 5, 2008
Release Number: 1745-024

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- State agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in 16 Tennessee counties face deadlines to apply for federal aid in the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities necessitated by last month’s severe storms and tornadoes.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) are partnering to help eligible applicants.

Officials in Hardin, Macon, Madison, Shelby and Sumner counties have until Saturday, March 8, to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form to TEMA.

"State and local officials can speed up the recovery process by submitting their applications on time," said TEMA Director Jim Bassham. "We want to ensure that resources are allocated to every agency that is eligible."

FEMA's Public Assistance program pays 75 percent of eligible costs.  The state of Tennessee is paying 12.5 percent, with the local applicant responsible for the remaining 12.5 percent.

President Bush’s Feb. 7 disaster declaration authorized federal assistance after the Feb. 5-6 storms and tornadoes.

To date, 46 state agencies, local governments and private nonprofits have submitted Requests for Public Assistance. 

"Federal and state Public Assistance officers are ready and available to provide local officials with help in determining what projects might be eligible for disaster assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech.  "We are teaming up to help the community recover as quickly as possible."

The RPA deadline is March 21 for Benton, Fayette, Haywood, Hickman, Houston, Lewis, McNairy, Perry, Trousdale and Williamson counties, and March 31 for Fentress County.

Applicants must submit RPA forms within 30 days of the date of designation of the area.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 05-Mar-2008 15:15:15