Governor Bill Lee said today that the Kinser Bridge on the Erwin Highway has been fast tracked and is targeted to be open by June of 2025. That would be an ten month turn around on a project that is a main connection with the southeastern part of Greene County. Lee also told Radio Greeneville News that he expects TDOT to have the Earnest Bridge on Chuckey Pike ready to open in about four weeks.
Lee said that work on I-40 in both Tennessee and North Carolina could mean that vital piece of roadway could open to thru traffic. Work continues on I-26 in Erwin in hopes of finding a temporary solution for thru traffic while bridge and roadway repair is done. Hear the Governor’s comments below.
The Governor also spoke of a program to help with debris removal and water system repair. The HEAL Program, Helene Emergency Assistance Loans will provide $100 million in funds available to Greene and other counties affected by the floods. Lee said the funds will be provided as an up-front, no interest loan to help rebuild those facilities and will be a bridge to financially help until federal funds are paid out. That process can take years in some cases, and the financial burden on smaller utilities to repair their systems may be too much for some to bear.
Hear the entire interview below:
Gov. Lee Announces Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program
HEAL funds $100 million in immediate financial relief for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee unveiled the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program, a $100 million fund to directly serve the health and wellbeing of Tennesseans in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Counties eligible for assistance include Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington.
“Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented disaster for Tennessee, and many local communities don’t have the resources to recover on their own,” said Gov. Lee. “Federal dollars will be available later, but these communities need immediate relief. Tennessee’s record of fiscal conservatism has placed us in a strong financial position to make government work for the people and step up to help in this time of need.”
Gov. Lee has met with flood survivors, emergency operations personnel, and local law enforcement in Northeast Tennessee to identify the greatest needs. Work to remove dangerous debris and repair water and wastewater systems must begin immediately. Unfortunately, the damage is too extensive, and expense is too great for local jurisdictions to cover the cost of repairs and wait for FEMA reimbursement.
The HEAL Program allocates $35 million to address water and wastewater system damage across eligible counties. These systems experienced extensive damage in most counties and were destroyed in others. Utilities are central to the health and wellbeing of the Tennesseans living in the affected areas, as well as the first responders and volunteers who are temporarily deployed to help with the rebuilding process. $65 million will be divided equally among eligible economically at-risk and distressed counties to address dangerous debris removal.
Eligible counties may opt-in for the no-interest loans, which are funded by TennCare Shared Savings. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) will distribute funds accordingly.
