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EMA: Preliminary storm damage about $14.3 million; state offers tower infrastructure help and FEMA outreach continues
Summary
EMA Director Ken Weidner told the committee the preliminary damage assessment is approximately $14.3 million, exceeding the state threshold; FEMA outreach about Individual Assistance is underway and the state has proposed using county tower space and building a new communications site off 31W.
Ken Weidner, director of Sumner County's Emergency Management Agency, told the Health & Emergency Services Committee on March 2 that the county is in the Public Assistance stage of the disaster declaration and that FEMA outreach on Individual Assistance had begun.
"The application period has been extended from March 8, 2026, to March 25, 2026," Weidner said, and the "preliminary damage assessment is approximately $14,300,000, which exceeds the state's threshold." He said FEMA will review whether uninsured or underinsured residents qualify for Individual Assistance.
Weidner also presented a county map of communications towers and described coverage gaps caused by challenging topography. He said the state has expressed interest in using space on four county-owned towers and has proposed partnering with the county to construct a new site off 31W. Under the proposal, the state would provide groundwork, infrastructure, a building, a generator and fencing, while the county would be responsible for installing its own equipment and constructing the tower; the request will be included in upcoming budget hearings.
Why it matters: the damage estimate exceeds the state threshold for Public Assistance, which can unlock state-administered relief and reimbursements; communications gaps identified by EMA could affect response and recovery if not addressed.
What happens next: the application window for FEMA Public Assistance continues; the county expects to include the proposed tower infrastructure in upcoming budget hearings for further consideration.
