SB 42

This bill creates a state disaster relief program (" program "") to be administered by the Tennessee emergency management agency (TEMA) . This bill authorizes a county emergency management agency to request a grant from the program to hel p offset the costs incurred by the county in responding to a disaster if (i) a disaster has occurred within the county; (ii) the county executive has declared a state of emergency; and (iii) t he damages resulting from the disaster do not meet the threshold for federal disaster relief. AWARD OF GRANTS This bill authorizes a county receiving a grant to use the money (i) t o repair or replace public roads, buildings, utilities, and other infrastructure owned by the local governments; (ii) for emergency measu res for saving lives; (iii) t o protect public health and safety or property; and (iv) t o remove debris from publicly owned land and waterways. This bill requires TEMA to evaluate a request for a grant, determine the amount of the grant, and disburse the grant if the agency determines that the criteria in this bill have been met. However, g rants are contingent upon the availability of funds that have been specifically allocated for the program in the general appropriations act. MAXIMUM GRANT DISBURSEMENT AMOUNT This bill prohibits a county from receiv ing more than $250, 000 in grant disbursements under this bill in a fiscal year."