A federal disaster declaration requested by Gov. Phil Bredesen for Rutherford County has been approved providing reimbursements for local government bodies and public utilities from Public Assistance Program funds .
“Federal disaster assistance will help lessen the burden on local governments in these four counties,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate President Obama’s approval of these disaster declarations to help speed the recovery from the April 10 storms that struck Tennessee.”
As in previous disasters, the state will provide half of the local share of matching funds required by the federal reimbursement program. The total amount will be 12.5 percent of the total cost incurred by local governments. Utility companies are required to provide the full 25 percent match for federal funds.
Gov. Bredesen’s request for a disaster declaration from the federal government’s Small Business Administration in April was quickly granted. The declaration paved the way for low interest subsidized loans to help families and small businesses recover from damage caused by the tornado.
Also read:
- Rep. Bart Gordon tours storm damage, meets with victims
- Murfreesboro tornado damage estimates rise
- Disaster declaration paves way for federal assistance
- Middle TN congressional delegation asks for President Barack Obama’s help
