MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- FEMA announced on Saturday that federal disaster assistance is available to Tennessee to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Helene beginning September 26. President Biden's action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate hardships for citizens caused by the emergency as well as provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.  Federal funding has been made available to the state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support for Cocke, Hawkins and Washington counties. Gov. Lee declares state of emergency, requests FEMA assistance after catastrophic flooding in East Tennessee Federal funding is available for emergency protective measures including direct federal assistance for Carter, Johnson and Unicoi counties. Darryl L. Dragoo has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.