Six more counties, including Bledsoe, McMinn, Monroe and Rhea, have been added to the federal disaster declaration resulting from last week's tornadoes, according to Gov. Bill Haslam's office.
"It's big for us," said Bledsoe County Mayor Bobby Collier of the declaration. "Being a small county with our budget as tight as it is, it helps us avoid a financial disaster along with the natural disaster."
Bledsoe, Cocke, Johnson, McMinn, Monroe and Rhea counties have been approved in the individual assistance category, the release stated. Residents who sustained losses in these counties can begin applying for assistance immediately through the Federal Emergency Management Agency by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).
Tennessee suffered 37 deaths from tornadoes and floods, and more than 500 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged, the release stated.
"As we work through the recovery process, I appreciate the federal government continuing to help Tennesseans impacted by these storms receive the assistance they need," Haslam said.
Bradley, Greene, Hamilton and Washington counties received approval on Monday. Other counties may be added.