State, Memphis utility get disaster relief

updated 10:14 a.m. ET July 25, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The state and Memphis Light, Gas and Water have been approved for federal disaster relief because of tornadoes.

Gov. Phil Bredesen said Thursday the state is getting a $3.3 million grant to reimburse costs to repair several buildings that were damaged by an April 2006 tornado that struck Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin. The grant covers 75 percent of the state's costs to meet the $5 million deductible on property insured by the state.

The Memphis utility is getting $2.4 million for repairs to the electrical distribution system caused by storms this February.

The grants are part of the federal public assistance program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.