WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The severe storm that brought tornadoes, hail and flooding to Tennessee was declared a major disaster by President Barack Obama, making federal money available for recovery efforts.
The storm that caused four deaths by March 1 featured flash floods particularly in the mountainous eastern part of the state.
The declaration announced on Thursday will allow federal funding to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe weather in the counties most affected, a statement from the White House said.
Funding will also be available throughout the state for hazard mitigation measures.
W. Montague Winfield has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations for the affected areas
(Reporting by Wendell Marsh; Editing by Greg McCune)
