Herron Tours Storm Damage in Tennessee

Dresden, Tenn. — Senator Roy Herron of Dresden personally visited 22 West Tennessee counties over four days after the storms to assess flood damage and bring state help.

Powerful weekend storms unloaded as much as 17 inches of rain in West and Middle Tennessee, causing flooding across the 8th Congressional District and the 24th State Senate District from the Mississippi River to the Cumberland — and beyond. As of Wednesday, 20 people had died in the state and property damage was estimated in the hundreds of millions.

“Our prayers are with those who lost their loved ones, their homes and all their possessions,” Herron said. “I am encouraging everyone to embrace the volunteer spirit and join us in helping our neighbors through this trying time.”

Over four days, Herron traveled from Memphis and Millington to Clarksville and Dickson assessing the damage and talking with local officials and citizens, while also calling on state agencies for help.

On Monday, Herron met with Gov. Phil Bredesen, Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell, Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Jim Bassham and Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely. The group surveyed affected areas in West and Middle Tennessee from National Guard Black Hawk helicopters.

“I’ve seen hundreds of homes and businesses severely damaged and permanently destroyed. Cars and trucks were submerged in floodwater all over the western half of state,” Herron said. “I’ve talked with dozens of emergency personnel who conducted search and rescue efforts to save our fellow Tennesseans.”

Herron met with multiple city and county officials, sheriffs, emergency management directors, road supervisors and police chiefs.

“The first challenge was to rescue people from danger. Next we’ve worked to provide shelter for those forced from their homes by the floods, including those who lost everything,” Herron said. “Now we have to work on rebuilding our communities. We need to make sure state and federal programs effectively help these flood victims.”

Based on reports from local officials, Herron said he is “encouraged” by TEMA’s swift response in providing assistance to city and county officials who have been working around the clock to help our communities.

During his tour of storm damage, Herron visited counties: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Haywood, Henry, Henderson, Houston, Humphreys, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Stewart, Tipton and Weakley.

Herron, a businessman and former minister, also recently visited these same counties for a two-month long Jobs Tour. Herron talked with local leaders, including business owners and working people.

Local officials and citizens needing help in obtaining assistance are encouraged to contact Senator Roy Herron at (731) 364-5415. To find links to flood-related assistance and information, visit RoyHerron.com.