For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 29, 2003
Statement on Federal Assistance for Tennessee
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State
of Tennessee and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local
recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, high winds, and
heavy rain on July 21-22, 2003.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the Shelby County. Assistance can include grants for
temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured
property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business
owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available to State and eligible local
governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of
public facilities damaged by the severe storms, high winds, and heavy
rain in the counties of Fayette and Shelby.
In addition, Federal funding is available on a cost-share basis for
hazard mitigation measures.
Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and
Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Charles M. Butler as
the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the
affected area.
The Agency said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas,
and additional counties may be added for assistance after the
assessments are completed.
The Agency said that residents and business owners who sustained
losses in the designated county can begin applying for assistance
tomorrow by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for
the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will
operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
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