Dresden, Tenn.–On Tuesday, representatives of FEMA and the Small Business Administration were in Dresden to survey the damage and confirm the accuracy of the application submitted to FEMA for federal assistance.
The Dresden City Board is considering the rebuilding of City Hall, which was destroyed in the tornado. The Board will be having a called meeting next Monday night at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center to consider the purchase of three new patrol cars for the department that were totaled by the tornado.
Weakley County EMA Director Ray Wiggington, Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum, and Dresden Mayor Jeff Washburn accompanied the federal agency representatives on a tour of the damaged areas both in Dresden and out in the county. Information was provided to representatives regarding not only the extent of the damage, but also the economic impact the tornado is already having on individual citizens and businesses in the community and how federal disaster funds would have a positive effect on the recovery of our county and city. The group also toured the emergency resources put in placed to manage debris collection, assist citizens with food, shelter, supplies, and financial relief subsequent to the storm.
Two other FEMA representatives arrived in Dresden on Tuesday to begin damage assessments for the federal assistance application. The agency representatives will attempt to obtain an accurate valuation of the property damage caused by the tornado in Weakley County and Dresden.
All of the information gathered will be used to prepare the final federal assistance application to be considered by the President for the issuance of a Emergency Disaster Declaration, which will provide federal assistance to individuals, property owners, and businesses impacted by the tornado.
If the Presidential declaration is made, there will then be an application process to be followed by those affected to determine their eligibility for the federal funds.
President Biden has already signed a Declaration for funding to assist local governments in the recovery process.
We continue to make great strides in the debris cleanup along our streets. Residents are encouraged to continue moving debris to the street for removal.
Dresden Mayor Jeff Washburn said, “WCMES and its partner utility companies assisting in electrical power restoration have done an amazing job in restoring power to affected areas. Many homes are going to require work on their homes before power can be restored to them.”
Volunteers continue to do an unbelievable job in cleaning up our community and assisting in the recovery job, he said. “As Mayor, please allow me to express the sincere gratitude of our citizens to every person, every private business who has provided equipment and manpower, and every government agency that has come to our aid during our time of devastation. Your assistance has been invaluable since the very start of the disaster and we cherish your continued assistance as we continue to work to recover in the days ahead.”
Citizens impacted in the city and county can apply at the Volunteer Center located at the Dresen First Baptist Church for assistance in cleaning up their property at no cost.
Citizens with homes or businesses to be demolished can also apply for demolition assistance. Anyone seeking demolition assistance should have first contacted their insurance company and a final insurance settlement agreed upon first.
The American Red Cross is taking applications for assistance from individuals directly impacted by the tornado. The agency is located at the Adult Learning Center at 8230 Highwzy 22. Additional information concerning he recovery process is available at the Recovery Center.
Persons in need of non-perishable food, clothing, bottled water, and other supplies may obtain them at the Donation Center located at 1040 Evergreen Street in Dresden. There has been an abundance of donations made to assist the citizens of Dresden.
Dresden City Hall and The Dresden Police Department are now located at the Civic Center (Dresden Senior Center) located on Evergreen Street. A night deposit is located facing the parking lot on the east side of the building where the city hall entrance is located.
Photo by Bobby Goode.