Storm on Signal Mountain confirmed as tornado. Staff photo by Dan HenryHamilton County is among 13 Tennessee counties that may get federal help in the aftermath of tornadoes and floods that swirled through the state beginning Feb. 28.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide a preliminary damage assessment in Hamilton and a dozen other counties: Franklin, Fentress, Grainger, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Moore, Pickett, Scott and Union.
The FEMA assessment effort will begin next Tuesday, March 15, according to a prepared statement from Haslam's office.
"We will ensure that these counties and individuals receive all eligible assistance," Haslam said.
The assessment will determine if damage to Tennessee households is sufficient to trigger federal individual assistance programs for homeowners and businesses.
If approved, the assistance would provide access to low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan program.
For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.