THDA Awards Grant To Aid In Jefferson County Flood Recovery

Will help repair up to 20 flood-damaged homes

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency has awarded a $500,000 grant to help low-income residents of Jefferson County repair homes that were damaged after severe storms triggered floods there earlier this year.

The Rebuild and Recover Disaster Program Grant, which will be administered on behalf of Jefferson County by the Tennessee Community Assistance Corporation, will provide funding to make repairs to as many as 20 homes that were impacted by the Feb. 2019 flooding.

The Rebuild and Recover Program provides funding to assist a local community’s recovery from weather-related incidents. Eligible activities include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied housing, the demolition of owner-occupied housing, relocation out of a flood plain, and grant administration.

“Just because the damage isn’t enough to trigger federal help, doesn’t mean a place like Jefferson County doesn’t need assistance,” THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey said. “This funding will allow Jefferson County residents to make the repairs necessary to recover from the flood damage they endured.”

Jefferson County was hit by the floods following a series of severe storms that struck East Tennessee on Feb. 23, 2019. The rising waters flooded homes, backed up sewer systems, caused the formation of sinkholes and left multiple homes sitting in water for several months following the disaster.

“We appreciate THDA stepping up to provide this assistance,” Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts said. “This grant will help our residents get back on their feet as we continue rebuilding from these floods.”

Potts said extensive damage was found throughout the county, including the communities of Talbot, Strawberry Plains, Dandridge, White Pine, Jefferson City and New Market.

Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency reported damages totaling over $1 million to 91 structures as a result of the flooding.

In addition to the $500,000 from the grant, a $260,500 in-kind match will also be applied towards the recovery efforts.

TCAC will hold a public meeting on August 13 at 6:00 pm in the community room of the Jefferson City Fire Department to discuss the grant project. Residents who experienced flood damage are encouraged to attend and learn more about the assistance available through grant funding. Applicant and property eligibility requirements, the process for repairs to be completed and timelines will be discussed during the meeting. Applications for assistance will also be distributed.

Eligible homeowners must have household incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income, adjusted for family size. All completed work will meet local and state building codes requirements, and will be inspected by a qualified inspector.