Haslam Announces Nine Counties Receive Federal Disaster Declaration from Early April Tornadoes and Flash Flooding

Chester, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Henderson, Humphreys, Lake, Shelby and Sumner to receive assistance

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved nine counties to receive federal disaster assistance due to tornadoes and flash flooding in the state on April 4 and 5, 2011.

The counties include:  Chester, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Henderson, Humphreys, Lake, Shelby and Sumner.

"Though we are currently focused on severe flooding in counties along the Mississippi River, we have not lost sight of the severe weather damage many Tennessee counties received in early April,” Haslam said. “This federal disaster declaration will ensure these county governments receive assistance in repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure.”

The disaster designation means the declared counties can apply for federal Public Assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and rebuilding and repairing roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and recreational facilities.

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.

Haslam requested a separate disaster declaration for 15 middle and west Tennessee counties for record flooding and storms in the state that began on April 19, 2011.  This request is still under review by FEMA. 

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is responsible for reviewing the public assistance project applications from local governments, assessing the funding and making the payments to public assistance applicants.

For more information on FEMA’s public assistance program, go to http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm.