FEMA Approves More Than $8 Million for Tennessee Mitigation Efforts

The state of Tennessee and FEMA have approved $8 million to protect people and businesses in Cookeville, Memphis and Milan from flooding and earthquakes.

“Tennessee works to help our communities and citizens have resources before disaster strikes to increase protection,” said Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “This funding gives our communities the ability to emplace projects that protect lives and property of Tennesseans.” 

The funding comes from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which encourages states and local governments to help communities develop projects that prevent, eliminate or reduce disaster-related damage.

The city of Memphis will receive $4.9 million to upgrade and improve building codes at the Memphis Firehouse Maintenance building. The money will also be used to build and replace 185 feet of the drainage system underneath the property to improve the building’s defense against seismic activity so it can support much-needed community rescue and response services. 

FEMA is also awarding the cities of Cookeville and Milan a combined $3.1 million to acquire seven residences and one commercial property that are currently located in floodplains and have suffered costly repetitive damage. These properties will be preserved as open space in the future.

“Tropical Storm Helene has shown us the importance of preparing and protecting our communities throughout Tennessee against flooding and other disasters such as earthquakes,” said FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator Robert Samaan. “It is vital that we help communities build resiliency and we are proud to partner with the state in these mitigation efforts.”