Congressman Cohen Asks Governor Lee to Seek FEMA Aid for Shelby County after Recent Snowstorm

MEMPHIS - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) wrote to Governor Bill Lee on Friday evening asking him to seek Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for Shelby County for expenses incurred in response to the recent snowstorm. Congressman Cohen noted that the preliminary damage assessment of $4.7 million exceeds the minimum requirement for seeking the assistance.

The letter reads in part:

"I kindly request that you amend your January 28 request for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the provisions of Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR 206.35, to include Shelby County in response to the severe snow and ice storm that hit our region starting on January 22, 2026. This winter storm included a mixture of sleet, snow, and freezing rain, which resulted in damages to buildings and equipment, utilities, and costs incurred for emergency protective measures.

"As of January 30, the preliminary damage assessment reports from the Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is $4.7 million including $2.5 million from MLGW, $1.7 million from the City of Memphis, $448,520 for Memphis Shelby County Schools, and $35,738 for the City of Millington. Since the amount of damages from this storm has exceeded the minimum requirement, I ask that you amend your request to include Shelby County.

"This request is prudent to ensure that our county can receive the necessary support to adequately address the damages that have been incurred. I appreciate your swift action and attention to this matter."

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