State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, has secured $25 million in state funding to provide grants for counties impacted by Hurricane Helene across Northeast Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, has secured $25 million in state funding to provide grants for counties impacted by Hurricane Helene across Northeast Tennessee.
This funding was earmarked from the Governor’s Relief and Recovery Fundwhich was approved by the General Assembly in January to provide immediate state assistance following disasters.
“After our successful special session, I remained committed to bringing true grant relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene,” Hill said. “I’m thankful that with the support of the entire Northeast Tennessee legislative delegation, leadership and colleagues from across the state, we are able to deliver genuine, flexible relief for our region.”
The grants will be distributed to these counties for any general expenses and recovery efforts by September 1, 2025.
- Johnson, Unicoi, Washington and Cocke Counties: $3,725,000 each
- Carter County: $5 million
- Greene County: $3 million
- Hamblen County: $1 million
- Sullivan and Hawkins Counties: $500,000 each
The General Assembly approved a total of $597 million in this year’s state budget for disaster relief initiatives, including $240 million for Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Disaster Relief Grants, bolstering Tennessee’s existing disaster relief fund and reducing the local cost-share burden for Helene-impacted communities.
On April 21, Gov. Bill Lee and TEMA announced applications opened for local governments, nonprofit organizations, business owners and farmers to apply for assistance from the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund. Eligible counties include Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington.
The General Assembly also approved property tax relief for owners whose property was destroyed or damaged by Helene. Applications are open now, and must be completed by June 30, 2025, to receive financial assistance.
Timothy Hill represents House District 3, which includes Johnson and part of Carter, Hawkins and Sullivan Counties.
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