Gov. Lee requests federal assistance for counties hit hardest by winter storm

NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Lee requested federal assistance for Tennessee counties hit hardest by Winter Storm Fern. Thursday, Lee requested the federal government grant 23 Tennessee counties an Expedited Disaster Declaration, opening up avenues for federal assistance to support recovery efforts in the state. The Expedited Disaster Declaration, if granted, would provide federal aid directly to Tennesseans to help with disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance, such as temporary housing and home repairs. The declaration would also provide public assistance, reimbursing nonprofits, state and local governments for emergency response costs and costs to repair damaged public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. Saturday, President Donald Trump granted an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee, providing federal assistance to support immediate emergency protective measures ahead of the storm. "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," said Gov. Lee. "I'm grateful to President Trump for granting federal resources to support Tennesseans, and am hopeful our Major Disaster Declaration will be approved quickly." Lee's request was made for counties where damage is evident and expected to exceed assistance thresholds. Those counties, concentrated in Middle and West Tennessee, are as follows: Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.