Grainger Co, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Grainger County leaders are asking the State of Tennessee to declare a state of emergency after historic flash flooding caused widespread destruction, displaced residents and left millions of dollars in damage across the county.
Grainger County Mayor Mike Byrd announced that he has formally submitted a request to state officials seeking an emergency declaration following the severe flooding that struck the county earlier this week.
According to Byrd, the request was made in conjunction with the county’s city mayors and is aimed at bringing additional resources and assistance to residents and businesses impacted by the disaster.
“Yesterday, in conjunction with our City Mayors, I officially submitted a declaration to our State Legislators declaring Grainger County a State of Emergency,” Byrd wrote in a social media post. “This crucial step will hopefully bring in the resources required to help us recover.”
The request follows record rainfall that inundated portions of Grainger County, washing out roads, destroying infrastructure, flooding businesses and homes, and leading to multiple rescue operations.
Officials have previously reported that at least two bridges were destroyed during the flooding, while communities across the county continue to assess the extent of the damage.
State Lawmakers Join Push for Emergency Declaration
State Sen. Jessie Seal has also called on the state to act quickly.
Seal said he sent a letter to Governor Bill Lee urging Tennessee to declare a state of emergency for Grainger County.
“Today, I sent a letter to Governor Bill Lee urging the State of Tennessee to declare a state of emergency for Grainger County following the devastating flash flooding,” Seal wrote. “Our communities need help, and they need it quickly.”
Seal said he will continue working with state and local officials to secure resources for affected residents.
State Rep. Rick Eldridge also voiced support for the effort, saying he joined Mayor Byrd and other local leaders in petitioning the state for an emergency declaration.
“Mayor Byrd along with the other Grainger County mayors and I have petitioned the state to declare a state of emergency for Grainger County due to the recent flooding,” Eldridge said.
Recovery Efforts Continue
While the county awaits a response from state officials, cleanup and recovery operations remain underway.
Byrd thanked numerous agencies and organizations that have been assisting with response and recovery efforts, including:
- Grainger County Sheriff’s Department and local police departments
- Volunteer fire departments and rescue personnel
- Grainger County EMA and EMS
- Grainger County Highway Department
- 911 operations staff
- Mutual aid partners
- Grainger County Baptist Association
County officials say those groups have played a critical role in responding to emergencies, assisting residents and beginning the long recovery process.
Waiting on State Action
Officials hope a state of emergency declaration would unlock additional resources and assistance needed to rebuild damaged infrastructure and help residents recover from flood losses.
At this time, it is unclear when Tennessee officials will make a decision on the request.
For now, cleanup efforts continue as Grainger County works to recover from one of the most damaging flooding events the area has experienced in recent years.
