Tennessee Gets FEMA Boost After Winter Storm Hits Hard
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
A big winter storm hit Tennessee starting January 22, 2026, causing serious damage. The President declared an emergency on January 24, so FEMA can help cover 75% of the cleanup and safety costs to protect people and property. This means faster aid and support for affected communities to bounce back stronger and safer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Emergency Protective Measures Authorized
A severe winter storm began January 22, 2026 and the President declared an emergency for Tennessee on January 24, 2026. FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B) as direct federal assistance for all 95 counties in Tennessee.
Federal Share Covers 75% of Eligible Costs
Under the declaration, any Federal funds provided for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. FEMA may therefore cover up to 75% of eligible cleanup and emergency protective costs for the declared Tennessee emergency.
Multiple Disaster Assistance Programs Available
The declaration lists multiple federal assistance programs for the Tennessee emergency, including Disaster Housing Assistance (CFDA 97.048, 97.049), Disaster Unemployment Assistance (CFDA 97.034), Crisis Counseling (CFDA 97.032), Disaster Legal Services (CFDA 97.033), Other Needs Assistance (CFDA 97.050), Hazard Mitigation Grant (CFDA 97.039), and related CFDA numbers. These programs are available for reporting and drawing funds related to the declared emergency.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19856, Notice of Award Amount Adjustment for Serious Needs Assistance
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the Serious Needs Assistance award to $790 for people affected by emergencies or major disasters. This change helps cover more costs due to rising prices and applies to disasters declared on or after that date. If you qualify, expect a bit more help when disaster strikes!
2026-19858, Notice of Adjustment of Countywide Per Capita Impact Indicator
FEMA is raising the countywide per person damage indicator to $4.86 for disasters starting on or after October 1, 2025. This change helps decide how much aid counties get after big disasters, reflecting a 2.9% rise in living costs. If your county faces a major disaster after that date, expect updated funding calculations based on this new number.
2026-19855, Notice of Adjustment of Statewide per Capita Impact Indicator
FEMA just raised the statewide per person impact amount to $1.94 for disasters starting on or after October 1, 2025. This change helps make sure disaster aid keeps up with rising costs, thanks to a 2.9% bump in the Consumer Price Index. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this means more accurate funding for your community’s needs.
2026-19859, Notice of Adjustment of Minimum Project Worksheet Amount
FEMA is raising the minimum amount for disaster project approvals to $4,100 starting October 1, 2025. This change affects anyone applying for disaster aid after that date and reflects a 2.9% cost increase based on inflation. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this means bigger projects need to meet the new minimum to get funding.
2026-19898, Notice of Adjustment of Disaster Grant Amounts
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the cutoff for Small Project disaster grants to $1,093,800. This means state, tribal, local governments, and nonprofits can get more money for smaller disaster repairs thanks to a 2.9% cost increase adjustment. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this change helps you get the right funding faster and easier!
2026-19857, Notices of Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations and Related Amendments
From March to August 2026, the President declared emergencies and major disasters affecting various states and tribes, unlocking federal help and funding. These updates also include changes to past disaster declarations dating back to 2018, ensuring communities get the support they need. If you live in an affected area, expect new assistance programs and important deadlines to help recovery efforts.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08838, Tennessee; Amendment No. 2 to Notice of an Emergency Declaration
Tennessee’s emergency declaration from January 24, 2026, just got an official update! The emergency period officially ended on January 27, 2026, which means the state can now access specific federal disaster funds to help with recovery. This change clears the way for Tennessee to get the money and support it needs to bounce back faster.
Next: 2026-08840, Arkansas; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of an Emergency Declaration
Arkansas’ emergency declaration from January 24, 2026, just got an official update! The emergency period officially ended on January 27, 2026, which means the state can now access specific federal disaster funds to help with recovery. This update affects Arkansans needing disaster aid and sets clear rules for how and when money can be used.