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Williamson County says FEMA, SBA and insurance will fund most Winter Storm Fern losses; county documents roughly $3M so far
Summary
County emergency managers reported nearly $3 million in documented losses from Winter Storm Fern, with an expected reimbursement mix of about $2 million from FEMA, $325,000 from insurance, and $325,000 from the state, leaving an estimated county share of about $325,000; FEMA and SBA mobile recovery centers are on site to help residents apply.
County emergency management and federal Small Business Administration officials briefed the Williamson County Commission on recovery operations following Winter Storm Fern and described how survivors and local governments can obtain assistance.
SBA representative Tracy Gail told commissioners a mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) was operating at the Columbia Avenue library May 11–16 to help homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits apply for three types of disaster loans: business disaster loans for property repair or replacement, home disaster loans (available to renters as well), and mitigation assistance that can add up to 20% to eligible loans to help recipients "build back stronger." Gail said there is no payment due on SBA loans during the first 12 months and rates are currently low: home loans at 2.875%, business loans starting at about 4%, and nonprofit rates at about 3.625%.
Williamson EMA operations manager Joshua Walter said FEMA individual assistance grants are also available and the county has documented just under $3 million in losses for local recovery so far; that figure excludes some ongoing costs from solid waste, county highways beyond initial debris removal, fire, the sheriff's office, EMS and shelter operations. Walter said the county expects roughly $2 million from FEMA, about $325,000 from insurance and about $325,000 from the state, leaving an estimated county net of approximately $325,000. Work to document additional eligible expenses is continuing.
Walter and Tracy Gail encouraged residents to use the in-person DRC or FEMA’s online portal and mobile app. Commissioners asked operational questions about debris removal: county staff said curbside pickup concluded and the remaining work is grinding and reduction; convenience centers accept yard debris if residents follow the three-foot cutting requirement to make hauling more efficient.
Separately, the commission approved a late-filed capital appropriation to the solid waste fund to cover equipment and disposal costs tied to storm debris operations and approved funding to replace a grinder the county described as obsolete after unusually heavy post-storm use.
Next steps: the county will continue documenting expenses for public assistance claims, encourage residents to apply for FEMA and SBA programs, and proceed with equipment replacement to resume normal grinding capacity.
