Tennessee is set to launch a $100 million loan program aimed at assisting with the cleanup efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Governor Bill Lee revealed that counties severely affected by the hurricane will have access to this new program designed to aid in the clearing of debris and repairing damaged water systems.
The program, named the Helene Emergency Assistance Loan or HEAL program, was announced by Lee on Thursday. He stated that the no-interest loans will be provided to communities as they await federal reimbursements. Governor Lee emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that while federal assistance will come later, immediate relief is required by these communities.
The inspiration for the program came after Governor Lee met with a local county mayor in East Tennessee shortly after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across multiple southern states. During their discussion, the mayor expressed concerns about meeting payroll obligations while also covering cleanup expenses.
The $100 million loan program will be divided into $35 million allocated for water and wastewater repairs and $65 million for debris removal. The funding for the program is sourced from Tennessee’s Medicaid program, TennCare. Lee highlighted that these funds, originally intended for health and welfare purposes, are now being redirected to support the communities in need.
Counties eligible for assistance through the program include Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. Tennessee has reported 17 fatalities as a result of Hurricane Helene, with some residents still unaccounted for. The state continues to grapple with the aftermath of the hurricane, which caused significant damage to bridges and roads.
As cleanup efforts persist, the loan program aims to provide crucial financial support to the affected communities as they work towards recovery. Governor Lee’s proactive approach underscores Tennessee’s commitment to assisting those impacted by natural disasters and ensuring swift and effective response measures are in place.