FEMA announced that, as of Friday, the agency had approved more than $80 million in relief aid for flood victims across Tennessee.
Registration by flood and storm victims across the state is now close to 29,000 households. Of those, almost 14,000 are in Metro Nashville/Davidson County.
Statewide, the agency has completed over 16,000 home and property inspections.
To register with FEMA, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Middle Tennessee Regional Summit May 26th
On May 26th, Cumberland Region Tomorrow, the Nashville Area MPO and TDOT are hosting the 2nd Annual Convening the Region Summit: A Region Pulls Together Through… The Power of Ten.
This regional event will focus on the 2010 Regional Key issues of Transportation/Transit and Open Space Conservation. The meeting follows last year's summit where the Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus and Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee called for a unified effort from leaders of the ten Nashville area counties to focus efforts and build collaboration toward Top Regional Issues and Opportunities:
• Regional Transportation/Transit
• Regional Land Use/Quality Growth and Sustainable Development
• Regional Infrastructure
• Regional Open Space Conservation
• Regional Air and Water Quantity and Quality
• Regional Economic Competitiveness
If you are an official from a middle Tennessee county and are interested in attending this event you can find more information about the summit at http://www.cumberlandregiontomorrow.org/Summit.
This regional event will focus on the 2010 Regional Key issues of Transportation/Transit and Open Space Conservation. The meeting follows last year's summit where the Middle Tennessee Mayors Caucus and Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee called for a unified effort from leaders of the ten Nashville area counties to focus efforts and build collaboration toward Top Regional Issues and Opportunities:
• Regional Transportation/Transit
• Regional Land Use/Quality Growth and Sustainable Development
• Regional Infrastructure
• Regional Open Space Conservation
• Regional Air and Water Quantity and Quality
• Regional Economic Competitiveness
If you are an official from a middle Tennessee county and are interested in attending this event you can find more information about the summit at http://www.cumberlandregiontomorrow.org/Summit.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
After Two Years, State Revenue Collections Finally Begin to Improve
Tennessee revenue collections improved in April with a net positive growth of 2.23% over April collections one year ago. Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz reported today that overall April revenues were $1.243 billion, which is $43.4 million more than the state budgeted.
"April is the first positive sales tax growth month in almost two years - since May of 2008," Goetz said. "Sales tax collections started their downward spiral starting in January of that year and, beginning with the month of June, recorded an unprecedented 22 consecutive months of negative collections."
On an accrual basis, April is the ninth month in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
The general fund was over collected by $51.4 million, and the four other funds were under collected by $8.0 million.
Sales tax collections were $9.7 million more than the budgeted estimate for April. The April growth rate was positive 5.62%. For nine months revenues are under collected by $201.8 million. The year-to-date growth rate for nine months was negative 4.11%.
"April is the first positive sales tax growth month in almost two years - since May of 2008," Goetz said. "Sales tax collections started their downward spiral starting in January of that year and, beginning with the month of June, recorded an unprecedented 22 consecutive months of negative collections."
On an accrual basis, April is the ninth month in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
The general fund was over collected by $51.4 million, and the four other funds were under collected by $8.0 million.
Sales tax collections were $9.7 million more than the budgeted estimate for April. The April growth rate was positive 5.62%. For nine months revenues are under collected by $201.8 million. The year-to-date growth rate for nine months was negative 4.11%.
Governor Bredesen Comments on Use of Race to the Top Funds
In an article on the Nashville Public Radio (WPLN) website, the Governor comments on the recent award to Tennessee of federal education funds. Governor Phil Bredesen is reminding people that federal “Race to the Top” funds can’t be used to plug budget holes. That’s after Tennessee was chosen to receive a federal $500 million for classroom innovation.
Bredesen says he hopes some of the money establishes new programs that a future governor would want to continue, even after the federal money goes away. But he says Race to the Top doesn’t tie anyone’s hands in future budgets.
“One of the great things about this money is it really can’t be used to fill budget holes. It goes for the kinds of things that are really important for the long run but really easy to push back each year.”
For more on this story, click here.
Bredesen says he hopes some of the money establishes new programs that a future governor would want to continue, even after the federal money goes away. But he says Race to the Top doesn’t tie anyone’s hands in future budgets.
“One of the great things about this money is it really can’t be used to fill budget holes. It goes for the kinds of things that are really important for the long run but really easy to push back each year.”
For more on this story, click here.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
First Week of Recovery
FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO TENNESSEE TOPS $28 MILLION IN FIRST WEEK
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today more than $28 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help with recovery efforts just one week after a federal major disaster declaration was requested for severe storms and flooding that struck Tennessee.
“We’re very pleased with the pace of recovery operations, but we aren’t letting up,” said Bredesen. “State agencies and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will continue working hand-in-hand with FEMA and local partners to make sure those affected by the flooding have access to the resources they need to help rebuild their lives.”
Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
“We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. “Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need.”
To date, 42 counties have been designated for assistance in Tennessee, including Benton, Carroll, Clay, Crockett, Cheatham, Chester, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.
Recovery Assistance by the Numbers
• More than $28 million has been approved to help disaster-affected Tennesseans with temporary housing, home repairs and other needs through FEMA and state disaster grants programs.
• Nearly 18,000 people in the 42 designated counties have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.
• More than 4,400 inspections have been completed and 14,000 inspections are scheduled.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Two Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in west and middle Tennessee. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.
• Hickman County - Centerville Church of Christ - 138 N. Central Ave., Centerville, TN 37033
• Davidson County - 100 Oaks Mall (near the Hollywood 27 Theatre) - 719 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204
Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening soon.
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today more than $28 million in disaster assistance has been approved to help with recovery efforts just one week after a federal major disaster declaration was requested for severe storms and flooding that struck Tennessee.
“We’re very pleased with the pace of recovery operations, but we aren’t letting up,” said Bredesen. “State agencies and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency will continue working hand-in-hand with FEMA and local partners to make sure those affected by the flooding have access to the resources they need to help rebuild their lives.”
Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
“We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. “Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need.”
To date, 42 counties have been designated for assistance in Tennessee, including Benton, Carroll, Clay, Crockett, Cheatham, Chester, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.
Recovery Assistance by the Numbers
• More than $28 million has been approved to help disaster-affected Tennesseans with temporary housing, home repairs and other needs through FEMA and state disaster grants programs.
• Nearly 18,000 people in the 42 designated counties have registered with FEMA for Individual Assistance.
• More than 4,400 inspections have been completed and 14,000 inspections are scheduled.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Two Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in west and middle Tennessee. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT seven days a week until further notice.
• Hickman County - Centerville Church of Christ - 138 N. Central Ave., Centerville, TN 37033
• Davidson County - 100 Oaks Mall (near the Hollywood 27 Theatre) - 719 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204
Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening soon.
Disaster Unemployment Benefits
Counties Now Authorized for Disaster Unemployment Benefits
NASHVILLE - Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available to workers in Chester, Clay, DeKalb, Hardin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Stewart, Trousdale, Wayne and Wilson counties as a direct result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began April 30, 2010, and are continuing, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley reported today. This amends the declaration for the State of Tennessee (FEMA-1909-DR).
These additional counties eligible for DUA are added to the previously 27 declared counties of Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Tipton and Williamson.
“This is a direct line of assistance for those who are out of work due to this natural disaster,” said Commissioner Neeley. “These counties are the starting point, and we’ll open this assistance to other counties as they are declared disaster areas by FEMA.”
For more information, click here.
NASHVILLE - Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available to workers in Chester, Clay, DeKalb, Hardin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Robertson, Smith, Stewart, Trousdale, Wayne and Wilson counties as a direct result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began April 30, 2010, and are continuing, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley reported today. This amends the declaration for the State of Tennessee (FEMA-1909-DR).
These additional counties eligible for DUA are added to the previously 27 declared counties of Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Tipton and Williamson.
“This is a direct line of assistance for those who are out of work due to this natural disaster,” said Commissioner Neeley. “These counties are the starting point, and we’ll open this assistance to other counties as they are declared disaster areas by FEMA.”
For more information, click here.
Monday, May 10, 2010
FEMA Conference Call
Some good information was provided by State and Federal agencies during a conference call for local elected officials earlier this afternoon. A summary of the information is available from reporter Tom Humphreys on the Knoxville News Sentinnel Website here.
What may be most useful for you to pass on to people in your community is the need to start the recovery process by registering with FEMA. Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
"We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. "Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need."
What may be most useful for you to pass on to people in your community is the need to start the recovery process by registering with FEMA. Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing disabilities. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. CDT until further notice. Help in all languages is available.
"We strongly encourage Tennesseans to register for assistance as soon as possible," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech. "Registration only takes about 30 minutes and once we hear from people, we can help them receive the assistance they may need."
Urgent - FEMA Conference Call for Local Officials Monday Afternoon at 1:00
I received this information earlier this morning:
Tennessee Recovery Teleconference
At the request of the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has been travelling throughout the state of Tennessee this past week following last weekend’s severe weather and flooding. Administrator Fugate has reviewed the damage, met with officials, and received on the ground briefings on the response efforts.
Please join Administrator Fugate and representatives of TEMA for a conference call with locally elected officials to discuss the ongoing response:
Monday, May 10, 2010
1:00PM – 1:30PM CST
Call-in number: 1-866-524-3160
PIN: 27892
Thank you,
Gwen Camp
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C St, SW
Washington DC, 20472
Tennessee Recovery Teleconference
At the request of the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has been travelling throughout the state of Tennessee this past week following last weekend’s severe weather and flooding. Administrator Fugate has reviewed the damage, met with officials, and received on the ground briefings on the response efforts.
Please join Administrator Fugate and representatives of TEMA for a conference call with locally elected officials to discuss the ongoing response:
Monday, May 10, 2010
1:00PM – 1:30PM CST
Call-in number: 1-866-524-3160
PIN: 27892
Thank you,
Gwen Camp
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C St, SW
Washington DC, 20472
Additional Disaster Declarations
Twelve more counties have received disaster declarations. These are Chester, Clay, DeKalb, Hardin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Stewart, Trousdale and Wayne counties. This brings the total to 42 of the 52 requested counties so far.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tennessee Crime Statistics Available On-Line
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has a collection of crime statistics available on line for the public. If you are interested, you can find this information at http://www.tncrimeonline.com/
The database includes four major categories: crime data, arrest data, victim data and property and drug crime data. You can examine statistics within these categories related to the type of offense, jurisdiction where it occurred, time and day of the week of the crime and many other factors.
The database includes four major categories: crime data, arrest data, victim data and property and drug crime data. You can examine statistics within these categories related to the type of offense, jurisdiction where it occurred, time and day of the week of the crime and many other factors.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
A Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process
The link below connects you to a document on the FEMA website that describes the disaster declaration process and the types of assistance available from FEMA. The assistance falls into three general categories: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance. The document provides an overview of each of the programs.
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/dec_proc.pdf
Thanks to Adair Schippers on the Cheatham County Commission who forwarded this info on to our office.
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/dec_proc.pdf
Thanks to Adair Schippers on the Cheatham County Commission who forwarded this info on to our office.
Additional Disaster Declarations
Designations have now been made for Carroll, Crockett, Decatur, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Houston, Madison and Obion counties. This brings the total to 21.
Finding and Listing Available Housing
Many Tennesseans have been displaced from their homes after heavy rains swelled the Cumberland River and other Tennessee waterways. To help these displaced residents find housing quickly, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency is urging all property providers to list available rental housing on the free, statewide housing locater service www.TNHousingSearch.org as soon as possible. If you hear of constituents in your county who are searching for available housing, you may wish to refer them to this listing to assist in locating rental property.
Additional Disaster Declarations
Ten counties in Tenessee have now been declared disaster areas in the wake of recent flooding. Gov. Phil Bredesen has requested such status for 52 counties. The others are being evaluated by FEMA. The declaration clears the way for federal aid to areas damaged by flooding. Four of the counties are in West Tennessee -- Tipton, Shelby, Dyer and McNairy. The other six to receive the designation -- Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman, Montgomery, Perry and Williamson -- are in middle Tennessee.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
One-Page Guide for Homeowners From Congressman Cooper
Congressman Jim Cooper representing Nashville has posted a one page step by step guide to help homeowners work their way through the different types of disaster assistance available. This guide is available on-line here. The handout includes contact information for staff persons with the Congressman's office who can assist with applications for relief. If you live in this congressional district and need help or know of individuals in that situation, you may wish to contact his office. Even for those living outside the district, the handout contains useful information and phone numbers or e-mails for contacting FEMA.
Additional Disaster Declarations
NASHVILLE – The federal government today authorized a major disaster declaration for two additional Tennessee counties. On Monday, Governor Phil Bredesen asked President Obama to declare 52 counties federal disaster areas following the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck the state beginning Friday, April 30.
Today’s action makes federal funding available to individuals in Montgomery and Dyer Counties. Four counties – Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman and Williamson – were authorized yesterday. Declarations for additional counties requested by the Governor are expected in coming days.
“President Obama and the federal government continue to move quickly in their response,” said Bredesen. “As people begin to rebuild their homes and their lives, this assistance will be an important resource for Tennesseans.”
Today’s action makes federal funding available to individuals in Montgomery and Dyer Counties. Four counties – Cheatham, Davidson, Hickman and Williamson – were authorized yesterday. Declarations for additional counties requested by the Governor are expected in coming days.
“President Obama and the federal government continue to move quickly in their response,” said Bredesen. “As people begin to rebuild their homes and their lives, this assistance will be an important resource for Tennesseans.”
Flood Assistance
Many counties in Tennessee are struggling to recover from the devastating flooding that struck the region this week. The National Federation of Independent Businesses has been gracious enough to set up a web page with many important links to help businesses and families affected by the flood and has passed this link on to share with other organizations. Categories of information include financial aid, humanitarian relief and business and employee resources.
That page of information can be found here.
As I hear of other information resources, I will try to make those available.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered losses in this event. I know personally of several people who have lost their homes and virtually all their possessions. In the midst of this hardship, there have been encouraging stories of neighbors, public safety employees, volunteers, and community leaders reaching out to help those suffering. This will be a long and challenging recovery, but that can be seen as a great opportunity to reach out and help others. Lastly, I want to remind and encourage all those living in the middle Tennessee area that are serviced by an impacted water utility to please make every effort to conserve water resources in order to reduce the stress on over-taxed systems.
That page of information can be found here.
As I hear of other information resources, I will try to make those available.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered losses in this event. I know personally of several people who have lost their homes and virtually all their possessions. In the midst of this hardship, there have been encouraging stories of neighbors, public safety employees, volunteers, and community leaders reaching out to help those suffering. This will be a long and challenging recovery, but that can be seen as a great opportunity to reach out and help others. Lastly, I want to remind and encourage all those living in the middle Tennessee area that are serviced by an impacted water utility to please make every effort to conserve water resources in order to reduce the stress on over-taxed systems.
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