Bredesen Announces Federal Disaster Assistance for Humphreys County

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the federal government has authorized a major disaster declaration for Humphreys County. This authorization is an amendment to the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Tennessee for storms that struck the state on April 10. Disaster declarations were previously announced for Rutherford, McMinn, Sequatchie and Benton Counties.

 

Local governments and public utilities in Humphreys County are now eligible for Public Assistance Program funds from the federal government. This amendment of the disaster declaration brings the total number of counties authorized to receive public assistance to five.

 

“The authorization for Humphreys County means another community can supplement ongoing state and local recovery efforts with federal disaster aid,” said Bredesen. “I’m very pleased Humphreys County has also qualified to receive this assistance.”

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will continue to assist local officials through the reimbursement process of the federal aid program. For the latest information on the disaster, please visit www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=11469.