Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn visited Northeast Tennessee to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. During her visit, she toured affected areas such as Washington and Greene counties, including the Highway 107 Kinser Bridge site. In Greene County, Blackburn met with local leaders, including County Mayor Kevin Morrison and EMA Director Heather Sipe.

Blackburn emphasized the importance of ensuring that people and businesses receive necessary support after the disaster. "We are working on flood damage and of course, the response here with the EMA with the mayor, with your local elected officials has really been exemplary," she said. She highlighted efforts to establish multi-agency resource centers and provide pop-up office hours to assist residents in recovering essential documents.

The senator stressed the need for FEMA's continued presence in aiding recovery efforts. "What we want to do is make certain that FEMA stays on the ground," Blackburn stated, underscoring the necessity for timely processing of claims for individuals, businesses, and counties.

In addition to discussing federal assistance, Blackburn praised Tennessee's volunteer spirit: "Tennessee has the best volunteers and the best communities." She noted how communities have come together to provide necessities like water, food, furniture, and clothing.

Looking ahead, Blackburn outlined plans for ongoing oversight of federal agencies such as FEMA and DOT to ensure they meet their obligations effectively. "It’s mostly oversight," she explained. "There will be some funding provisions...and then looking at the oversight for how FEMA and...DOT...respond in times of disaster."