Today, State Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) announced efforts to pursue initiatives to help with recovery efforts in Sunbright, Tennessee. On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, an EF-1 tornado hit Sunbright causing damage to numerous residential and commercial buildings. 

“Unfortunately, the destruction does not meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards to receive funding,” said Yager. “Given the small population of Sunbright and its limited resources, there is growing concern regarding recovery efforts due to lack of funding, and I am doing everything I can on the state level to give Sunbright more resources to build back their community. I appreciate Representative Butler’s support in sponsoring these efforts in the House of Representatives.”

Just this week, Senator Yager put together a proposal to secure a state appropriation to assist in recovery efforts for Sunbright. If approved, the city and county would each receive $5,000 to assist in costs with the tornado response. 

Additionally, Senator Yager is working on another initiative to provide financial assistance to the city in the form of a sales tax break for cleanup efforts. Details are still being discussed among different government agencies, but Yager is committed to finding solutions before the General Assembly adjourns.  

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