FEMA Teams Assess Tennessee Flood Damage

Damage assessment teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have gotten firsthand looks at flooded areas in three East Tennessee counties. It’s part of the process to determine if the area is eligible for federal disaster aid.

The Johnson City Press reports there’s an $8.5 million threshold for the area to qualify for federal dollars to help residents rebuild what floodwaters swept away or destroyed last Sunday night.

There was enough damage documented by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to lead Gov. Bill Haslam to seek the federal assessment.

If that assessment reaches the threshold, the state will ask the President for a disaster declaration. That would clear the way for residents to be reimbursed up to $30,000 for repairs.