Bredesen Announces Four Tennessee Counties Approved for Federal Disaster Assistance

05/15/2009 -- NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the federal government has approved his request for disaster assistance for Rutherford, McMinn, Sequatchie and Benton Counties following the severe weather, high winds and tornadoes that struck on April 10, 2009. Bredesen requested the federal disaster aid following damage assessments by federal, state and local emergency management officials.

Local governments and public utilities in the four approved counties are now eligible for Public Assistance Program funds from the federal government. The public assistance designation also covers emergency response and recovery costs incurred by state government.

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“Federal disaster assistance will help lessen the burden on local governments in these four counties,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate President Obama’s approval of these disaster declarations to help speed the recovery from the April 10 storms that struck Tennessee.”

As in previous disasters, the state will provide half of the local share of matching funds required by the federal reimbursement program. The total amount will be 12.5 percent of the total cost incurred by local governments. Utility companies are required to provide the full 25 percent match for federal funds.

Public Assistance

The federal Public Assistance Program authorizes a number of benefits for state and local governments and public utilities to reclaim expenses relating to debris removal, overtime and property damages for civic buildings.

In response to an earlier request by Bredesen, the Small Business Administration activated its SBA Disaster Loan program to provide help to households and private businesses in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Davidson, Marshall, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson Counties.

In cases where government assistance programs are not an option, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency continues to assist county emergency management where possible to match individual needs with non-governmental programs, such as those offered by members of the Tennessee Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters.

Additional information about state and federal assistance for affected counties will be released as details become available.

Source: Tennessee Governor