NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Following the Nashville bombing Friday and resulting destruction left in its wake in downtown Nashville, Governor Bill Lee has formally requested an emergency declaration from President Trump.
Governor Lee made the request in a formal letter sent to the President. Lee announced the request on Twitter Saturday morning.
"The severity and magnitude of the current situation is such that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments," Lee's letter reads. "As a result, federal assistance under the Stafford Act is necessary to supplement the efforts and available resources of the State, local governments, disaster relief organizations, and compensation by insurance for disaster-related losses."
I have requested an emergency declaration from @POTUS to support ongoing efforts and relief. pic.twitter.com/7vwrvN1FBw
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 26, 2020
To read Governor Lee's letter to President Trump in full, head here.
Tennessee Senators Lamar Alexandar and Marsha Blackburn and Representative Jim Cooper also wrote to President Trump in support of Lee's request.
"The disaster is placing a significant financial burden on the state, local governments and impacted individuals...We urge you to to approve Governor Lee's request on behalf of the State of Tennessee as soon as possible," they stated in the letter.
I urged @realDonaldTrump to approve @GovBillLee‘s request for a major disaster declaration over the Christmas Day Nashville explosion. This will dedicate federal resources to help our communities’ recovery & support small business owners who are already hurting from the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/8btxsij6uq
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) December 26, 2020
