RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In the wake of severe weather and tornadoes that struck Tennessee earlier this year on May 8-9, 2024, Governor Bill Lee has formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden. This declaration aims to secure federal disaster assistance for the affected counties, including Rutherford County, to support recovery efforts and provide much-needed economic relief.
“Federal disaster assistance will bring much-needed economic relief and resources to help our communities and fellow Tennesseans recover from the devastation of these storms,” stated Gov. Lee.
The request includes aid from two key programs: Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. If approved, federal Individual Assistance will be available to residents of Cannon, Giles, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, and Sumner counties. This program can help with rental assistance, home repairs, and personal property replacement, with a maximum aid limit of $42,500. Although it aims to stabilize survivors, it does not cover all losses.
Federal Public Assistance, on the other hand, will be accessible to Cannon, Cheatham, Giles, Hamilton, Jackson, Macon, Maury, Montgomery, Polk, Smith, Sumner, and Warren counties. This program provides reimbursement for emergency work and uninsured infrastructure repair, such as debris removal and utilities restoration.
The severe weather event that prompted this request included ten confirmed tornadoes, destructive hail, and widespread damaging winds. The storms caused flash flooding and riverine flooding, resulting in significant disruptions across Tennessee. Tragically, three lives were lost in Maury County, and the storms left tens of thousands without power, disrupted travel, and downed numerous trees and power lines.
While FEMA’s programs do not cover agricultural and business losses, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is actively coordinating with federal agencies to explore additional aid options for these damages.
For more detailed information about the federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs, visit FEMA’s website. Details for the varying programs is available on the FEMA website (CLICK HERE) and additional information about the Public Assistance program is available online as well, by CLICKING HERE.
