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Ice coats a Nashville power line after Winter Storm Fern glazed Middle Tennessee with ice on Jan. 23 and 24, 2026, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity.  (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday that it will deliver more than $11 million in combined emergency assistance funding to Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana to expedite immediate disaster response following a debilitating winter storm.

President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations — which unlock FEMA’s logistical resources, supply stores and federal reimbursement for immediate lifesaving actions — for 12 states on Jan. 24. Typically, emergency declarations make federal reimbursement available for 75% of the costs of emergency response measures, up to $5 million.

“Public assistance is traditionally provided on a reimbursement basis after costs are incurred and documented,” FEMA stated in a Friday news release. “This time, because the storm was so serious, FEMA is sending the money upfront so Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana can act quickly.”

The funding includes $3.75 million each to Mississippi and Tennessee, and $3.79 million to Louisiana to reimburse the states for actions already taken and sustain states’ response efforts.

The funding can be used for the deployment of generators and temporary heating for critical facilities and vulnerable populations, emergency debris clearance, the operation of emergency shelters, activation of state and local emergency operations centers, emergency logistics, medical support, and law enforcement and public safety operations.

States reeling from winter storm encounter a smaller FEMA

The three states were among the most affected by the storm, which covered roads with dangerous layers of ice and caused widespread power outages that persisted for tens of thousands of people nearly a week later.

FEMA has delivered generators, water, tens of thousands of meals, cots, blankets and tarps to Mississippi and Louisiana, and similar resources are available at Fort Campbell on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, ready to be deployed as the state requests it. FEMA also sent two, 20-person teams to Tennessee to assist in removing debris that is blocking roads and hindering power restoration efforts.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday requested President Donald Trump issue an expedited major disaster declaration for Tennessee, which would open up more substantial, longer-term federal aid. Lee requested assistance for both public recovery and individuals who suffered losses from the storm.

As of Friday, no financial assistance has been approved for individuals.

Early funding rollout part of ‘reformed FEMA,’ administration says

Friday’s action is part of the Trump administration’s “effort to modernize FEMA and cut unnecessary red tape,” according to the release. 

“FEMA is taking a faster, more flexible approach to emergency response — ensuring states have the resources they need when they need them, not weeks or months later,” the release states. “This unprecedented action reflects a reformed FEMA focused on speed, accountability and outcomes delivered to the American people, while still maintaining strong oversight of taxpayer dollars.”

Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have pledged to reduce FEMA’s size, cut waste and shift more disaster-recovery responsibilities to states. FEMA lost 2,446 employees between Jan. 1 and June 1,  in 2025 — a decrease of 9.5% of the agency’s workforce — the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported. Multiyear contracts for thousands of FEMA workers will expire this year, adding to uncertainty about the agency’s future resources. FEMA also announced the cancellation of its two largest hazard-mitigation programs in 2025.

“Over the last year, this administration has transformed FEMA into a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers and supports state and local governments,” Noem said in a Thursday news release. “Through every stage of this winter storm, the new FEMA delivered results to American communities, leveraging interagency resources and working with state and local governments to solve problems and keep people safe.”

The staffing cuts and proposed changes to the agency have raised questions about how the leaner FEMA will respond to widespread disaster. 

After tornadoes and severe flooding devastated rural communities in Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee in spring 2025, some states waited weeks for the Trump administration to approve major disaster declarations, which allowed states to access federal funds to repair public infrastructure and programs to help individuals cover some of the costs of rehousing and repairs.

Tennessee’s major disaster declaration for the spring storms and flooding was approved more than two months after the disaster. Trump’s administration did ultimately approve tens of millions of dollars in public and individual assistance to Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas.

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