NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Local lawmakers secured funding in the state’s $58.3 billion balanced budget to support ongoing recovery efforts in their communities following the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene.
State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, State Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountsville, State Sen. Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, and State Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, successfully advocated for and secured $3,740,150 in state funding for impacted communities in Northeast Tennessee.
The funding will be distributed among four cities though population-based grant awards in the following amounts:
- Elizabethton: $1,267,280.29
- Erwin: $1,256,211.98
- Newport: $696,268.30
- Mountain City: $520,386.35
“Our communities have faced enormous challenges since Hurricane Helene but the determination and unity shown throughout this recovery effort have been truly inspiring,” Jones, Faison and Hill said. “These funds will provide meaningful support to local governments as they continue rebuilding infrastructure, assisting families and businesses, and helping communities recover for the long term.”
In the nearly two years since the floods, the 114th General Assembly has approved more than $477 million in disaster relief to impacted communities and families.
“Northeast Tennessee has demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” Southerland said. “I am grateful the General Assembly was able to provide this critical support to our local communities as they continue the important work of recovery and rebuilding.”
“Our region is persevering, but recovery of this magnitude requires strong partnership and continued investment,” Crowe said. “These state dollars will help ensure families, businesses and local governments have the resources they need to move forward and come back stronger than before.”
This year’s budget highlights lawmakers’ continued efforts to keep taxes low and remain fiscally responsible while prioritizing the needs of Tennesseans. It advances Republican initiatives to strengthen public schools, streamline transportation projects, improve public health and safety, and make the Volunteer State a beacon for families.
Renea Jones represents District 4 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Unicoi and part of Carter counties.
Jeremy Faison represents District 11 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Cocke and part of Hamblen and Jefferson counties.
Timothy Hill represents District 3 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Johnson and part of Carter, Hawkins and Sullivan counties.
Steve Southerland represents District 9 in the Tennessee Senate which includes Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Sevier and Unicoi counties.
Rusty Crowe represents District 3 in the Tennessee Senate which includes Carter, Johnson and part of Washington counties.
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