An armed robber made off with pain medication from Tallent Drugs in Copperhill Monday morning.
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January
2010
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State and local officials are not happy at the lack of response from Gov. Phil Bredesen to their requests for a federal disaster declaration.
State and local officials are not happy at the lack of response from Gov. Phil Bredesen to their requests for a federal disaster declaration. State Rep. Eric Watson and State Sen. Dewayne Bunch made the request Dec. 8 and County Executive Mike Stinnett and Ducktown Mayor James Talley have also asked if there is any relief available to the citizens and businesses that are affected by the rockslide.
On Monday afternoon, Lydia Lenker, press secretary for Gov. Phil Bredesen, said the Governor is aware of the difficulties the rock slide has imposed on those whose travel this route. “That's why he has worked with TDOT and TEMA officials to declare a state of emergency on November 16 to help deal with this disaster,” she said, adding this opened the door to federal transportation relief dollars that are being used to help expedite the clean up. In addition, she said, TDOT has worked with the Southeast Human Resources Agency to make relief funds available to reimburse those residents who have incurred additional travel costs. Lenker said this type of natural disaster doesn't qualify for traditional federal relief funds, but the state remains committed to working with local and federal officials to offer whatever assistance may be available to help the families whose lives have been disrupted by this rockslide.
Watson said he wanted the governor to seek a federal disaster declaration that could make grants and loans available to businesses and travel vouchers for individuals. “We just want them to make the request to see if we are qualified,” he said. We won’t know until we ask,” he said. He said money has been given out on the federal level for a lot less worthy causes. If the county is not eligible, he said, “We just want a response.” He said he met with House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower on Monday and hoped they could set up a meeting with the governor and local officials.
Talley said the delay is devastating for East Polk. “We need some kind of help for our citizens and businesses,” he said, adding he was concerned some small businesses might not be able to survive. “This is two more months added to a suffering community.” Talley said he would like to see Gov. Bredesen step up.
Talley said this is one more example of the need for an alternate route to connect the county. “This wasn’t the first, and it won’t be the last rockslide.” He said the community needs short-term help and also needs long-term help with a new route. He said he is working on a petition to encourage Corridor K and suggested that residents let Bredesen and TDOT Commissioner Nicely know that help is needed.
Stinnett said he didn’t know what might be available, noting the government has been quick to hand out money for all kinds of things during other disasters. He said he just wanted the governor to see if there is anything available to help the people and businesses.
Stinnett said he was hopeful that the March 31 deadline for opening the road would be met and added, “I hope as we travel the gorge again that TDIT does not forget the importance of an alternate route.” At some point this will happen again, he said.
Janice Calhoun with the Southeast Tennessee Human Resources Agency said transportation assistance funds for low-income students and commuters could run out soon. She said $25,000 was allocated for $8/day reimbursements for those with incomes no greater than 200% of the poverty level, with a maximum $1,500 per person. So far, 14 applications have been received, so there’s only enough left for a few more applications. “It looks like we may need more money,” she said, adding funds are not available for businesses or impacted citizens with higher income levels. Anyone interested in applying for the transportation supplement can call Sethra at 496-2644 or 338-2335.
Calhoun also said she is not yet sure how her own transportation budget is being affected by the rockslide. She said trips from East Polk have gone from four a day to two, which makes it difficult for those who have medical appointments because they have to wait so long to return as well as having a longer trip.
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