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Lawmakers Call for Mortgage Relief One Year After Hurricane Helene

A year after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of northeastern Tennessee, local officials are intensifying calls for financial support for victims still struggling to recover. During the Elizabethton-Carter County Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Legislative Breakfast, held at Northeast Community Credit Union, speakers highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by residents affected by the storm.

Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby and state Senator Rusty Crowe addressed the crowd, urging community members to assist those who have yet to seek help due to feelings of pride or a belief that others are in greater need. “We just did a disaster grant for three homeowners who have completely lost their homes and have received no help,” Woodby stated. Each recipient of the grant will receive $275,000 to aid in rebuilding.

The mayor emphasized the urgency for residents to check on their neighbors and report any cases of need to her office. She recounted the story of a Roan Mountain resident who lost her home and is now raising six grandchildren, yet refrained from seeking assistance. Woodby underscored the importance of community support during these difficult times.

Crowe, who serves the Carter, Johnson, and Washington counties, elaborated on the broader impact the hurricane had on the region, noting that some families not only lost their homes but also their land, which has been altered by the river. “They still have a mortgage to pay on their home. They still have car payments to pay,” he said, stressing the need for financial institutions to consider forgiving mortgages for those with nothing left.

State Representative Timothy Hill, who chaired the House Disaster Relief Committee during a special session of the General Assembly in January, shared that the state allocated $460 million in disaster relief, which he believes is only a fraction of the total damage incurred. “We haven’t forgotten our responsibility,” Hill assured the audience, highlighting ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the disaster.

Freshman state Representative Renea Jones also spoke, reflecting on the resilience of the community. “The flooding that swept through our region left scars but also revealed the heart of Carter County,” she remarked, praising the collaborative efforts of state officials in securing funding for recovery.

In addition to the legislative updates, Elizabethton Mayor Pro Tem Mike Simerly provided an overview of various city projects, including plans to purchase a $1.8 million firefighting vehicle equipped with a 107-foot ladder. He also mentioned ongoing renovations at the Elizabethton-Carter County Public Library and the Bonnie Kate Theater, along with the city’s paving program.

While U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger and Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty were unable to attend due to a government shutdown, a representative from Hagerty’s office provided an update on federal legislation relevant to disaster recovery.

As the community reflects on the impact of Hurricane Helene, local leaders continue to advocate for those still in need, ensuring that the voices of affected residents are not forgotten.

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