Letter to Hon. Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee - Congressman Cohen Asks Governor Lee to Request FEMA Assistance in Wake of Ice Storm

Letter

Dear Governor Lee,

I strongly urge you to request assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), under the provisions of Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR
206.35, for the City of Memphis and Shelby County in response to the recent ice storm that hit
our region on February 2, 2022. This ice storm left nearly 120,000 residents without power at the
height of the storm, including tens of thousands whose power has still not been restored. It also
resulted in hundreds of downed trees and powerlines that have affected residents and businesses
throughout the county.

The preliminary damage estimate provided to the West Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency (TEMA) by Memphis, Light Gas and Water (MLGW) is $13 million as of February 7,
2022.

FEMA administers various programs which could potentially provide relief. For example, the
Public Assistance Grant Program could assist with debris removal, repair, replacement or
restoration of disaster-damaged and publicly owned facilities. The Individual Assistance and
Household programs could assist with temporary residences (rental assistance) or repairs to make
homes safe, sanitary and functional.

Since the amount of damage from this storm has already exceeded the minimum requirement, I
believe a swift request of disaster assistance is prudent to ensure that our county can receive the
necessary support to adequately address the damages that have been incurred.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

As always, I remain,

Most sincerely[...]

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