Congressman Applauds Disaster Declaration Following July 18-21 Storms

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today applauded President Biden’s declaration of a Major Disaster from severe storms and straight-line winds in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Henry counties from July 18 to July 21. The declaration triggers the availability of federal assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities and assistance needed to prevent or reduce risks to life and property from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Congressman Cohen wrote to Governor Lee urging him to request federal disaster assistance for damage done to homes, businesses, and utilities in Memphis and Shelby County following these severe thunderstorms.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Tennessee’s 9^th Congressional District has suffered more than its fair share of severe weather in recent months, and my office has been working with local, state, and federal officials to bring home the resources we need to help offset the cost of recovery and prevent further damage by strengthening local infrastructure. This federal disaster relief will ease some of the burden on already stretched local budgets and assure our communities are restored to full recovery.”

This is the fourth round of federal disaster recovery assistance that Congressman Cohen has worked to secure for TN-9 this year. On August 18, Congressman Cohen announced federal disaster assistance to help offset the cost of local recovery following the June 25-26 storms.In March, after writing twice to Governor Lee urging him to request assistance through FEMA, Congressman Cohen announced federal disaster assistance for Shelby County following storms that took place from December 22-27, 2022. In May, the Congressman announced the award of federal disaster assistance for communities in Tipton County following the storms and tornadoes that struck on March 1-3.

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