ATLANTA — FEMA announced more than $106 million in funding for 51 recovery and mitigation projects to help Tennessee communities recover from Tropical Storm Helene and other past disasters and promote future resilience.
This funding is part of more than $2 billion that FEMA announced for almost 1,500 projects nationwide.
FEMA is awarding more than $92 million for 41 Public Assistance projects to reimburse Tennessee for the costs of debris removal, critical infrastructure and public facility repair and emergency protective measures. Notable projects include:
• $69.9 million to the state for debris removal efforts and emergency protective measures.
• $5.2 million to the Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative for permanent repairs.
• $3.8 million to Mountain City for permanent repairs to its public utilities.
Today’s funding also includes $8.6 million from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which empowers states, local governments, tribal nations and territories to complete activities and projects that prevent, eliminate, or reduce disaster-related damage. Tennessee will use the funding to build community safe rooms, install generators and for disaster management costs.
FEMA is also providing $5.1 million to support state-managed recovery programs because of a severe winter storm earlier this year. These funds directly support individuals, families and communities by addressing some of their most urgent needs after a disaster.
Specifically, $4.8 million is for crisis counseling and mental health support, and $250,000 is for Disaster Unemployment Assistance following the winter storm.
