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President Obama Approves Shelby County Disaster Relief Funds

July 14, 2009
“This is welcome news and will help to alleviate some of the financial burden that has been placed on the county in the aftermath of these storms, Congressman Cohen said. “I applaud President Obama for moving so swiftly to help our district, and look forward to working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the White House to get these funds distributed as soon as possible.”

Under the disaster declaration that was approved today, Shelby County and the City of Memphis are now eligible for Public Assistance Program reimbursement from the federal government. The public assistance designation also covers emergency response and recovery costs incurred by state government. In addition to Shelby County, the President also authorized disaster funds for Fayette and Haywood Counties. As in previous disasters, the state will provide half of the local share of matching funds required by the federal reimbursement program. The total amount will be 12.5 percent of the total cost incurred by local governments. Utility companies are required to provide the full 25 percent match for federal funds.

BACKGROUND ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS

The Public Assistance Program authorizes a number of benefits for local government and public utilities to reclaim expenses relating to debris removal, overtime and property damages for public buildings.

As a result of the storms, preliminary damage assessments estimate that more than $12.5 million of costs eligible for federal assistance under the Stafford Act – the federal law that created the Public Assistance Program -- have or will be incurred by state and local governments and public utilities. Local and state resources also expended considerable resources responding to the emergency, restoring public infrastructure and removing debris.

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________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov