Morgan County does not qualify for federal disaster relief
At Monday’s meeting, Morgan County Commission voted unanimously to adopt a resolution requesting state funding for tornado relief efforts following an F-2 tornado that struck Morgan County on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Morgan County did not qualify for federal disaster relief fund following the incident.
The resolution reads:
Whereas, the State of Tennessee, under the leadership of Governor Bill Lee, has spoken of the importance of rural counties and has placed an emphasis on the distressed and at-risk rural counties since his first term in 2018; and
Whereas, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, 1 horrific F-2 tornado ripped through Morgan County that caused the loss of two lives, several injuries, nearly 40 homes damaged or destroyed, a tremendous infrastructure hit with numerous power lines and poles down, and an estimated loss of millions of dollars; and
Whereas, this is the third tornado in less than two years that has hit the residents in rural Morgan County; and
Whereas, Morgan County has not received any federal funding and very little state funding for the two previous tornadoes that hit Sunbright in 2023 and 2024; and
Whereas, Morgan County is limited in financial resources and has been a regular on the list of distressed counties in the great State of Tennessee; and
Whereas, Morgan County has lost lives, lost homes, and the Deer Lodge, Chestnut Ridge, and Scutcheon communities have been ravaged; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Morgan County Commission is requesting the State of Tennessee to assist in recovery efforts for our residents that have been greatly impacted by this tornado and is asking for financial assistance to help in these efforts.
This is the 10th day of March, 2025.
