The state of Tennessee has launched the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program to provide immediate financial relief to communities affected by Hurricane Helene. This initiative, announced by Governor Bill Lee, involves a $100 million fund aimed at supporting the health and wellness of Tennesseans in the aftermath of the hurricane.
The program is currently available to counties declared eligible for the Major Disaster Declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Categories A through G. These counties include Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. Should additional counties be added to FEMA’s list, they too will become eligible for the HEAL Program.
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Governor Lee emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented disaster for Tennessee, and many local communities can’t wait on federal reimbursements to begin the rebuilding process. These communities need immediate relief, and that’s why we took swift action to develop and implement this unique program.”
The HEAL Program designates $35 million to repair water and wastewater systems that have suffered significant damage across the eligible counties. These systems are crucial for the health and safety of the residents, as well as for first responders and volunteers assisting with the rebuilding efforts. Additionally, $65 million will be allocated to economically at-risk and distressed counties to facilitate dangerous debris removal.
Eligible counties can find further information on how to opt-in to the program by visiting this link. The maximum funding a county can request through the HEAL Program is $15 million. The deadline for counties to opt-in is set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. County leaders with inquiries about the program are encouraged to contact HEAL.Recovery@tn.gov.
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Tennessee Cautions Against Buying Flooded Vehicles
In response to recent hurricanes causing flooding in Tennessee and the southeastern U.S., the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance is warning consumers to be cautious of purchasing flood-damaged vehicles, as some sellers may try to sell these damaged cars under false pretenses. To avoid scams, consumers are advised to buy from licensed dealers, use services like VINCheck to verify vehicle histories, inspect vehicles for flood damage, and ensure sellers disclose any flood damage history. Legal distinctions between vehicle types and their repair potential are also highlighted, and consumers can contact the Commission for further assistance.