President Approves Major Disaster Declaration For East TN

President Biden on Wednesday approved the Major Disaster Declaration for East Tennessee.

That action makes federal funding available for individuals in Cocke, Carter, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. 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 catastrophic flooding this area has experienced. Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in these counties.

According to the release from FEMA, for a period of 45 days of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period, assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program is authorized at 100% of the total eligible costs.

Individuals and business owners that sustained losses in these counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also download the FEMA app to your phone and apply that way. You can also call FEMA at 1-800-621- 3362.