Today, Governor Bill Lee announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved his request for a Major Disaster Declaration following Winter Storm Fern that impacted West and Middle Tennessee counties.

“As Tennesseans begin the recovery process following Winter Storm Fern, I’m grateful to President Trump for granting our Major Disaster Declaration request,” said Gov. Lee. “This approval ensures federal resources are available, and we are grateful for the Trump Administration’s unwavering support.”

This approval makes FEMA Public Assistance available for eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, in 15 counties to support response and recovery efforts, including reimbursement for qualifying disaster-related costs. This is in addition to the eight counties that have already been approved for Category B, Emergency Protective Measures, Public Assistance. 

FEMA Public Assistance is available for Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Perry, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, and Williamson counties.  

Other counties who have already been approved for Category B, Emergency Protective Measures, Public Assistance include Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Lawrence, Maury, Robertson, Rutherford, and Wilson. 

Additional counties may be added if ongoing assessments determine that federal criteria have been met. 

“Securing a Major Disaster Declaration is a crucial step in helping communities access the resources they need to support recovery,” said Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “We’re grateful to the President for this support and to the federal, state, and local partnerships that made this possible. We will continue working with FEMA to seek additional assistance, including Individual Assistance, and to ensure Tennesseans have access to the help they need.” 

FEMA Public Assistance

The declaration enables eligible government entities and certain private nonprofit organizations in the designated counties to apply for reimbursement through FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program for qualifying disaster-related costs. 

Information about FEMA’s PA program and eligible reimbursement categories is available on FEMA’s website. 

This declaration follows Winter Storm Fern, a major winter storm that brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The storm caused significant ice accumulation across West and Middle Tennessee, damaging critical infrastructure and disrupting electric utilities. At the height of the event, more than 365,000 customers statewide were without power. Winter Storm Fern has claimed 29 lives and caused significant damage, and Tennesseans continue to recover.