Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn visited East Tennessee to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene and meet with flood victims and local officials. The region has been significantly affected by the hurricane, prompting visits to various locations including a shelter at Elizabethton High School, a cleanup site in Hampton, and a distribution center at Southside Freewill Baptist Church in Erwin.

During her visit, Senator Blackburn was accompanied by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Senator Bill Hagerty, U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan, and other state officials. They held a media availability session at the I-26 East Bridge over Nolichucky River in Unicoi County.

Senator Blackburn expressed her concerns after meeting with those impacted: “Throughout the day, I heard from families, local officials, first responders, and volunteers who have seen and experienced devastating loss in the wake of Hurricane Helene. It was heartbreaking to hear from Tennesseans who lost everything due to this tragedy. We will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to make sure impacted families have the support they urgently need. We will not allow the federal government to neglect Tennesseans and will ensure all resources are provided to help folks rebuild.”

Photos from Senator Blackburn’s visits in Carter County and Unicoi County are available for download.