Tennessee Governor Bill Lee asked FEMA to work with TEMA on a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) to determine the state’s eligibility for federal assistance to support power restoration and recovery efforts in counties impacted in the floods and severe ice storms.
Tennessee experienced dual weather hazards last week as heavy rainfall in West and Middle Tennessee turned to freezing rain and ice accumulations, according to a press release by the Tennessee Department of Military. The ice storm claimed one life in Haywood County, disrupted travel, downed trees and powerlines, and cut off power for tens of thousands of Tennesseans.
“We are pursuing every option to ensure areas affected by the recent floods and ice storm recover well and Tennesseans receive resources,” Lee said in a statement Wednesday. “I thank our federal, state, and local partners who are assisting us in a thorough accounting of the damage incurred.”
“I want to thank @T_E_M_A, @myTDOT and all emergency response officials who have been on the ground in impacted areas clearing roads & helping Tennesseans get back on their feet,” Governor Lee said in a separate statement on Twitter.
I want to thank @T_E_M_A, @myTDOT & all emergency response officials who have been on the ground in impacted areas clearing roads & helping Tennesseans get back on their feet.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) February 9, 2022
Joint PDAs are used to determine if a state can qualify for a Major Disaster Declaration and for local jurisdictions to receive federal assistance through one or more programs, the press release notes. For example, FEMA’s public assistance program reimburses local and state governments, and certain private, nonprofit organizations for emergency work, the restoration of utility services, and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and infrastructure.
TEMA will coordinate with FEMA on the review and scheduling of the joint PDAs as county emergency officials conduct and submit ice storm damage assessments to the agency, according to the press release.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
