The state has experienced floods since the end of April as the results of large amounts of rainfall. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, along with representatives Lincoln Davis, Marsh Blackburn and John Tanner, are supporting a request from Governor Phil Bredesen that 13 counties receive the declaration from the USDA.
"The historic flood came right after Tennessee farmers had just finished their spring planting, so losses and damages are severe," Alexander said.
If made, the declaration will allow producers in the state to apply for low-interest loans, along with additional funding assistance.
Recently, President Barack Obama made his own disaster declaration for areas of the state, which will open up federal funds to help Tennesseans deal with flood damage. Through the funding, homeowners in the state may find assistance repairing property that is not insured, along with providing funds to make up for relocation costs.
