State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, has proposed legislation to provide $100 million in relief to Hurricane Helene victims across Northeast Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, has proposed legislation to provide $100 million in relief to Hurricane Helene victims across Northeast Tennessee.
The Hurricane Helene Rapid Response Act, or House Bill 1278, creates two grant funds to assist local governments and citizens in impacted counties.
“We made a significant first step during special session to support Northeast Tennessee, and this bill aims to build on that progress,” Hill said. “I’m working closely with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) every week to find a solution that delivers genuine relief to those devastated by Helene.”
In January, the General Assembly approved more than $450 million in direct disaster relief and to prepare for future disasters. Multiple grant funds were established to help stabilize local finances and position the state to provide immediate assistance after future disasters.
The Hurricane Helene County Relief Fund would initially receive $50 million in state funds with the potential for additional funding in the future. Counties receiving funds must use them for infrastructure, remediation, property repairs and other general recovery efforts. They must also keep record of disbursements for audit purposes.
The Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration would distribute grants to these impacted counties:
- Johnson, Unicoi, Washington and Cocke Counties: $7.5 million each
- Carter County: $10 million
- Greene County: $6 million
- Hamblen County: $2 million
- Sullivan and Hawkins Counties: $1 million each
The Hurricane Helene Rapid Response Fund would also receive an initial $50 million in state funding for personal recovery efforts.
Individuals must be residents of counties declared impacted by the hurricane and meet certain criteria. Any remaining funds would stay in the fund for future use.
These grants would be administered by TEMA and residents would apply through an online portal provided by the agency.
This funding must be approved by the General Assembly in the 2025-26 state budget.
House Bill 1278 advanced out of the House Departments and Agencies Subcommittee on March 18, and is expected to be heard in the House State and Local Government Committee on March 26.
Timothy Hill represents House District 3, which includes Johnson and part of Carter, Hawkins and Sullivan Counties.
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