Counties near Chattanooga get disaster declaration
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said Friday that President Barack Obama has declared 18 counties, including Marion, Sequatchie and Bledsoe, federal disaster areas due to storms that swept the state in June.
State and local governments and electric utilities spent nearly $10 million in response to and recovery from the wind damage and flash-flooding impacts. The disaster declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures and rebuilding and repairing roads and other facilities.
“This federal aid will help our communities in rebuilding and recovery,” Haslam said. “State and local teams worked quickly to survey damage in more than 35 counties to determine the impact of these storms, and we are grateful for this assistance.”
Marion prepares for an emergency
WHITWELL, Tenn. – Emergency response agencies are partnering to hold the Marion One Disaster Preparedness Expo for Marion County residents.
The event is set for 9 a.m.-6 p.m. CDT Sept. 6 at Whitwell City Park. Admission is free.