DRESDEN, Tenn. – A local county is hopeful for its future after a long-awaited statement from the federal government.

On January 14, President Joe Biden declared a major federal disaster for cities affected by the December 10 tornado.

Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum said the county is still waiting for the public assistance statement to begin removing debris, but the individual assistance statement is a start and a huge relief.

“What we’ve been emphasizing from day one is that citizens need help getting them back on their feet and trying to rebuild this community from an individual perspective, and so we’re really excited about that.” , said Bynum.

Dresden Mayor Jeff Washburn said his city’s residents have been struggling so far. He says it will benefit them in many ways.

“They didn’t have a means of transport and they didn’t work. And not least, some homes have been without power for up to two weeks in our community,” Washburn said. “No way to take a bath, shower or cook and do the everyday things that people normally do.”

FEMA could be on the ground in Dresden as early as this week, but residents can start applying now.

You can do this by phone at (800) 621-3362, online, or through the FEMA app.

“What will happen is you enter your information. It will ask some basic questions: what is your address, what is the address you currently live at, social security number, gross income and just some information Once you fill it out, someone from the federal government will contact you based on the decision that has been made for you to receive assistance,” Bynum said.

Washburn says the job isn’t done.

He and Bynum are now taking even more steps to ensure the region receives as much financial aid as possible.

“We are considering hiring a consulting agency to consult with the county and the city to ensure that we obtain all available funding from FEMA and federal agencies that we potentially can, including available grants,” Washburn said. . .

Weakley County is one of six West Tennessee counties to receive federal declaration.

There were 12 counties in total statewide.

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