Clay County is one of 23 Tennessee counties included in an expedited request for federal disaster aid Thursday.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee formally asked President Donald Trump to grant an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following widespread damage from Winter Storm Fern. The request seeks both Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance and Individual Assistance to support response and recovery efforts.
Lee said the winter storm caused significant damage across the state as local officials, first responders, and volunteers continue ongoing response efforts.
“Winter Storm Fern has created significant damage in communities across Tennessee, and state and local officials, first responders, and volunteers continue to provide critical support,” Lee said. “I’m grateful to President Trump for granting federal resources to support Tennesseans, and am hopeful our Major Disaster Declaration will be approved quickly.”
The expedited request targets counties where damage is already evident and expected to exceed federal assistance thresholds. State officials said that approach is intended to move federal resources into affected areas as quickly as possible.
Clay County is included alongside Macon, and Trousdale counties. All 23 counties are included for both Individual and Public Assistance.
Individual Assistance would provide direct federal aid to eligible residents for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. That assistance is intended to support households most affected by storm-related damage.
Public Assistance would allow state and local governments, along with eligible nonprofit organizations, to seek reimbursement for emergency response costs. Funding could also be used to repair damaged public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings.
Damage assessments are continuing across Tennessee to document storm impacts. State officials said those assessments will determine whether additional counties may qualify for inclusion in the disaster declaration.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is coordinating response and recovery operations with local, state, and federal partners. Officials said that coordination will continue as assessments are completed and recovery efforts move forward.