NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On Wednesday, Governor Bill Lee announced his request for an expedited major disaster declaration was approved, making recovery more available to eight upper East Tennessee counties.
"State and local officials, first responders and volunteers continue to provide critical support to impacted Tennessee communities following significant flood damage,” said Lee in a release. "As Tennesseans begin the rebuilding process, I thank our federal partners for granting resources to further our severe weather response and recovery in Northeast Tennessee.”
According to the Governor's Office, the eight counties named in the declaration are:
- Carter
- Cocke
- Greene
- Hamblin
- Hawkins
- Johnson
- Unicoi
- Washington
The office said damage assessments still remain in progress and will inform additional requests to be made to the federal government. The declaration could bring additional help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as Hazard Mitigation Grant funds and other kinds of federal help.
Patrick Sheehan, the Tenessee Emergency Management Agency Director, said this is a crucial first step in providing survivors with essential resources.
"Our focus remains on a survivor-centered response, ensuring that the recovery process is as smooth and supportive as possible for those impacted," Sheehan said in the release.
According to the release, individuals in the declared counties can now apply for direct assistance, home repair, and personal property replacement in addition to other uninsured or underinsured disaster losses.
Federal leaders said for 45 days, funds will be available under the Public Assistance program that can be used to cover 100% of all eligible costs.,
