FEMA Steps In for Tennessee's Icy Winter Woes
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
A major disaster was declared for parts of Tennessee after a severe winter storm hit from January 22-27, 2026. This means the state can get federal help covering 75% of eligible costs for emergency repairs and protective actions. FEMA has appointed a coordinator to manage the aid and may update the assistance as needed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Major Disaster Declaration for Tennessee
A Presidential major disaster was declared for parts of Tennessee after a severe winter storm that occurred January 22–27, 2026. The declaration (issued February 6, 2026) authorizes FEMA to provide Public Assistance and emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance, in the designated counties.
Federal Share Covers 75% of Eligible Costs
Under the Stafford Act, any Federal funds provided for Public Assistance in this disaster will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. That means FEMA will provide up to 75% of eligible repair and emergency protective action costs in the declared areas.
Disaster Aid Programs Listed (CFDA Numbers)
FEMA listed Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers to be used for reporting and drawing funds, including 97.030 (Community Disaster Loans), 97.032 (Crisis Counseling), 97.034 (Disaster Unemployment Assistance), 97.048 (Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households), 97.036 (Disaster Grants—Public Assistance), and 97.039 (Hazard Mitigation Grant). These programs are available to support housing, counseling, unemployment aid, public assistance grants, and mitigation in the declared disaster.
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Key Dates
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Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15944, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15946, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15943, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15942, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15938, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15941, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08888, Kansas; Major Disaster and Related Determinations
Kansas faced big trouble from storms, strong winds, and flooding in July 2025, leading the President to declare a major disaster in December. This means federal help is on the way for 12 counties, covering 75% of eligible repair costs to get communities back on their feet. A special FEMA officer is now in charge to make sure aid arrives fast and smoothly.
Next: 2026-08890, Mississippi; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration
Mississippi just got a disaster upgrade! More counties are now officially recognized as hit hard by the disaster declared on February 6, 2026, which means they can get extra help for cleaning up debris and rebuilding. This amendment, issued on February 13, 2026, unlocks new funding and support programs to speed up recovery and protect communities.