Updated April 18, 2019

The federal government has issued a Major Disaster Declaration at the request of Governor Bill Lee to make federal recovery assistance to Giles County and 56  other Tennessee counties  impacted by February’s flooding and severe storms.

The major disaster declaration covers the time period of Feb. 19-March 30, and will allow government entities and certain private non-profits in the eligible counties to apply for reimbursement of specific expenses related to the disaster under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program.

The waves of severe weather that began on February 6 impacted 83 of Tennessee’s 95 counties inflicting various levels of damage from flooding and heavy rains for more than a month.

The  storms caused more than $80 million in damages to the state’s transportation network. Tennessee Department of Transportation  has received $10 million in federal disaster relief funds and will work with the Federal Highway Administration for reimbursement for costs related to the storms.

Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher said  farmers in Giles County and throughout Tennessee  rely on their local transportation and utility infrastructures being in good condition. These FEMA programs will assist with road and bridge repair while our farmers continue cleaning debris, repairing structures, and adjusting their planting times.