Congressman Cohen Urges Governor Lee to Submit Additional FEMA Major Disaster Declaration Request for Shelby County

MEMPHIS, TN - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) wrote to Governor Bill Lee today following up on his January 30 letter asking the governor to submit a request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance for Shelby County following the severe winter storm that struck the region from January 22-27, 2026.

On February 6, FEMA released a notification that a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Tennessee was granted, triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the Severe Winter Storm that occurred January 22-27, 2026. Congressman Cohen urged the Governor to submit an additional request for Public Assistance for Shelby County, noting in his letter that updated assessments now place total estimated costs at more than $6.6 million. The damages include emergency protective measures, roads and bridges, buildings and equipment, utilities, and other critical infrastructure.

His letterto Governor Lee reads in part:

"I am writing to follow up on my earlier request. Now that your January 28 request to President Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Tennessee from the Severe Winter Storm that occurred January 22-27, 2026, has been approved, I respectfully ask that you submit an additional request for Public Assistance funding for Shelby County to address the extensive damages caused by the January 2026 winter storm.

"Based on updated assessments, Shelby County's total estimated costs have increased to over $6.6 million [...]. FEMA has validated damages, and Shelby County has met the threshold to receive Public Assistance.

"As you know, Public Assistance funding will be essential to help Shelby County and its municipalities recover and restore vital services for residents."

Congressman Cohen has worked closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure Memphis and Shelby County receive timely federal support following severe weather events and will continue advocating to keep the recovery process moving forward.

Click here to read Congressman Cohen's full letter to Governor Lee.