PUBLIC NOTICE: FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (RPA) DEADLINE EXTENDED

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) announces that FEMA has approved an extension of the Request for Public Assistance (RPA) deadline related to Winter Storm Fern.

Major Disaster Declaration (23 counties approved for Public Assistance)

The original RPA deadline of March 8, 2026, has been extended to March 25, 2026.

Eligible counties and categories of work include:

• FEMA Public Assistance Categories A–G: Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Maury, McNairy, Perry, Robertson, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson, Wilson
• FEMA Public Assistance Categories A & B: Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman
• FEMA Public Assistance Category B: Rutherford

Emergency Declaration (remaining 72 counties)

The RPA deadline is March 25, 2026.

Important limitation: For counties included under the Emergency Declaration, Public Assistance is generally limited to Emergency Work only, including emergency debris removal limited to right of way debris removal for the sole purpose of emergency vehicle access and Category B (Emergency Protective Measures). Permanent Work (Categories C–G) is not available under an Emergency Declaration.

Eligible applicants, including local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations, are encouraged to submit their RPA to FEMA as soon as possible, even if impacts are still being assessed.

For additional Public Assistance information, visit TEMA’s Public Assistance webpage.