EGN NEWS DESK
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says counties severely impacted by Hurricane Helene will quickly have the ability to entry a brand new $100 million mortgage program designed to assist clear particles and restore broken water methods.
Lee introduced this system, dubbed the Helene Emergency Assistance Loan or HEAL program, on Thursday. The Republican says the no-interest loans will go towards communities whereas they watch for federal reimbursements.
“Federal {dollars} will probably be out there later, however these communities want instant aid,” Lee mentioned in an announcement. “Tennessee’s document of fiscal conservatism has positioned us in a powerful monetary place to make authorities work for the folks and step as much as assist on this time of want.”
Lee says the thought was impressed following his assembly with an area county mayor in East Tennessee simply days after Hurricane Helene ravaged a number of southern states. During that dialog, Lee mentioned the mayor was involved about not making payroll whereas paying for clean-up prices.
The program will probably be divided by allocating $35 million for water and wastewater repairs and $65 million for particles removing. The state funding is being pulled from Tennessee’s Medicaid program, generally known as TennCare. Lee mentioned these {dollars} are supposed to help well being and welfare, which is what the mortgage program is designed to do.
Counties eligible for help embody Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington.
Tennessee has reported 17 deaths are a results of Hurricane Helene’s rampage all through the state, however just a few residents stay lacking. Numerous bridges and roads stay broken as cleanup efforts proceed.
