Tennessee Receives Additional Federal Disaster Assistance for September Flooding

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced the approval of additional assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program. The program is now available to eligible jurisdictions and certain private, non-profit organizations in a total of 14 counties following significant flooding from Hurricane Helene that impacted Northeast Tennessee on September 26.

The two additional counties named in the amendment of the Major Disaster Declaration for FEMA's Public Assistance Program are Hancock and Sevier counties. Sevier County had previously been designated to receive debris removal and emergency protective measures (Category A and B), including direct federal assistance. This amendment makes permanent work assistance (Categories C-G) available. Hancock County has been approved for all Categories (Categories A-G).

"This amendment reflects the work that continues in the counties that have been impacted by this disaster," said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. "With this expanded support, we can continue to provide the necessary resources and aid to help Tennesseans rebuild their lives and restore their communities."

The Major Disaster Declaration, that was approved on October 2, 2024, makes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A-G) available to Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The declaration provides only Public Assistance (Categories A-G) to Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Jefferson, Sevier, and Sullivan counties. To learn more about FEMA's Public Assistance Program, visit FEMA's website.

Additionally, the application period for Individual Assistance remains open until Dec. 2, 2024, for survivors in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties. Individuals can apply:

• Online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov
• On the FEMA Mobile App
• By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.
• In-person at any of the Disaster Recovery Centers.

To watch an accessible video on how to apply for disaster assistance, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).

Resources and updates for survivors can be found on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's dedicated Helene webpage.