Gov. Lee formally requests major disaster declaration following severe weather, flooding across TN
The request comes in addition to the emergency declaration approved by President Donald Trump on April 3 amid the outbreak of severe weather, including tornadoes, that affected Middle and West Tennessee counties.
NWS report breaks down Middle Tennessee tornadoes from recent weeks
'The severe storms and tornadoes that struck Tennessee have caused significant damage and hardship for many communities across our state,' Tennessee Emergency Management Agency director Patrick Sheehan said in a Tuesday press release. 'We appreciate Governor Lee's swift action in requesting a Major Disaster Declaration, which is an essential step in securing the federal assistance needed to help Tennesseans recover and rebuild.'
If the request is approved, some residents would be able to apply for FEMA individual assistance. That individual assistance could help with rental assistance, home repair and personal property replacement, with maximum aid being $43,600. FEMA individual assistance would be available to residents in the following counties:
Cheatham
Davidson
Dickson
Dyer
Grundy
Hardeman
Hickman
Humphreys
Lewis
McNairy
Montgomery
Obion
Perry
Sumner
Wilson
Additionally, Lee requested public assistance for several counties, including: Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton and Wilson.
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Federal public assistance programs reimburse state ad local governments, utilities and some private nonprofits for debris removal and other emergency protective measures. Public assistance can also help with repairs to roads, bridges, water facilities and other governmental equipment.
Tennessee has been under a state of emergency since April 2 when a storm system moved through the Volunteer State and stalled out until April 6. Several counties in Middle and West Tennessee experienced intense flooding and tornadoes with the system.
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