Haslam Announces Federal Disaster Declarations for 25 More Counties

Benton, Bledsoe, Bradley, Carroll, Chester, Cocke, Crockett, Fayette, Gibson, Greene, Hamilton, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Henry, Johnson, Lake,  Madison, McMinn, McNairy, Monroe, Rhea, Shelby, Washington and Weakley

NASHVILLE –Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today President Obama granted a request to provide federal Individual Assistance in five additional counties and Public Assistance to local government in another 25 counties as part of the disaster declarations from the series of severe storms, straight-line winds and flash flooding in late April.

“I’m pleased FEMA has added these additional counties to our existing declaration,” Haslam said. “The assistance available now in the declared counties will provide needed funds for recovery from these spring storms.”

At present, a total of 22 counties are receiving individual assistance and 49 counties now qualify for all categories of public assistance reimbursement. Additional counties may still be added at a later time.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

Individuals in Carroll, Crockett, Hardin, Henry, and Madison Counties are now eligible for federal assistance. These additional counties join the already declared counties of Bledsoe, Bradley, Cocke, Dyer, Greene, Gibson, Hamilton, Johnson, Lake, Lauderdale, McMinn, Monroe, Obion, Rhea, Shelby, Stewart and Washington. Residents who sustained losses in these counties can begin applying for assistance immediately through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

Government entities and certain private non-profits in Benton, Bledsoe, Bradley, Carroll, Chester, Cocke, Crockett, Fayette, Gibson, Greene, Hamilton, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Henry, Johnson, Lake, Madison, McMinn, McNairy, Monroe, Rhea, Shelby, Washington and Weakley are now eligible to receive federal reimbursement for all categories of FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Previously, Bradley, Greene, Hamilton and Washington Counties were declared eligible for just categories A (debris removal) and B (emergency protective measures).

The designation for public assistance means eligible entities in the declared counties can apply for reimbursement of certain expenses related to the disaster response and recovery. More information on FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be found here: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm

The declaration also allows counties to apply for assistance from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides grants to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a disaster.

More information on Tennessee’s four federal disaster declarations in 2011 can be found on FEMA’s website here: DR-1965, DR-1974, DR-1978 and DR-1979.

For more updates regarding the state’s response, visit the TEMA website at www.tnema.org.