Federal Aid Flows to Tennessee Following Devastating Winter Storm Fern
– President Donald Trump has approved $60.6 million in federal aid for Tennessee to assist in the recovery from Winter Storm Fern, a severe weather event that impacted the state in late January. The announcement, made via a Truth Social post on Friday, comes nine days after Governor Bill Lee requested a major disaster declaration for 23 Tennessee counties.
“I just approved $60.6 Million Dollars for the Great State for Tennessee (which I won three times!), for the severe winter storm that they are recovering from — Incredible people, that I know will rebuild, FAST! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” the President wrote.
The federal disaster declaration will enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide support to recovery efforts, including individual assistance for residents in the affected counties. This assistance will cover temporary housing, home repairs, and other expenses not covered by insurance.
Governor Lee initially requested the disaster declaration for Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson, and Wilson counties. The declaration builds upon earlier federal assistance granted to eight counties – Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Lawrence, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, and Wilson – which were previously approved for Category B Emergency Protective Measures under FEMA’s Public Assistance program.
The initial emergency declaration, approved by President Trump on , provided federal resources to support protective measures and coordinate the state’s response to the storm. FEMA had already delivered more than $11 million in combined emergency assistance funding to Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana to expedite immediate disaster response following the storm, according to a recent announcement.
The aid package comes as communities across Tennessee continue to grapple with the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern. The storm left over 365,000 residents without power and reportedly caused 29 deaths, according to reports. The approved $60.6 million is intended to support long-term recovery efforts.
The Trump administration has emphasized a streamlined approach to disaster relief through a reformed FEMA. A Department of Homeland Security statement released on , highlighted efforts to cut red tape and deliver expedited, upfront emergency funding to affected states.
FEMA Public Assistance is authorized for eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, in the 15 counties initially designated for aid: Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Perry, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne and Williamson. Officials have indicated that additional counties could be added to the list if damage assessments demonstrate they meet federal criteria.
Patrick C. Sheehan, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, stated that securing a Major Disaster Declaration is a crucial step in helping communities access the resources they need to support recovery.
