Gov Bredesen requesting federal disaster declaration
The Tennessean
May 5, 2009
WASHINGTON – U.S. Republican Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Democratic U.S. Reps. Bart Gordon, D-Murfreesboro, Jimmy Duncan, Lincoln Davis and John Tanner have joined Gov. Phil Bredesen in requesting that President Obama issue a federal disaster declaration for four counties in Tennessee to help state and local governments recover costs for damages related to recent storms.
According to their letter to President Obama, “On April 10, 2009, high winds – including tornadoes – struck several counties in our state, causing significant damage in Rutherford, McMinn, Sequatchie and Benton Counties. These disasters have placed a significant burden on state and local governments because of recovery costs. Therefore, we respectfully request that you make assistance available to these counties in accordance with the Governor’s request.”
With a disaster declaration, federal funds will cover 75 percent of the cleanup costs.
Governments in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County estimate tornado recovery costs at more than $8 million.
Murfreesboro’s emergency response was tallied at $6.5 million, including $652,000 for its electric department, while Rutherford County spent about $1.5 million. Middle Tennessee Electric had a $210,600 emergency bill.
The April 10 tornadoes destroyed 117 homes in Rutherford County and affected 845 structures, including 28 businesses. Most of the damage occurred in Murfreesboro, which was hit with an EF-4 tornado with 166 to 200 miles per hour winds.
The county already has received a Small Business Administration disaster making homeowners and businesses eligible for low interest loans for underinsured properties.
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