Cocke County Long-Term Recovery Group Awarded $1.75 Million Grant from Tennessee Governor’s Response & Recovery Fund

Press Conference Scheduled for July 8

Newport, TN

The Cocke County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) has been awarded $1,757,829.53 through Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Response & Recovery Fund to advance ongoing disaster recovery efforts in Cocke County and the City of Newport. The funds will be used for critical debris removal, gravel, and topsoil/grass seed restoration on properties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

A press conference will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 1:30 p.m. at the Cocke County Partnership Offices, located in the Walters State Building, 115 Mulberry Street, Newport, TN 37821, to share more about the impact of this grant and the continued recovery efforts.

“This funding represents a major milestone in our mission to support Cocke County’s recovery and resilience,” said Spring Duckett, Executive Director of the Cocke County LTRG. “It is a direct result of tireless collaboration among dozens of dedicated partners working at every level—from local citizens, churches, nonprofits and governments to national disaster organizations.”

“The grant was submitted in partnership with United Way of East Tennessee Highlands, a key strategic partner and fiscal agent for the LTRG. Although the Cocke County LTRG officially launched as a 501(c)(3) and began full operations in early 2025, its formation began in November 2024—just weeks after Tropical Storm Helene—when local organizations and community leaders came together to coordinate a unified long-term recovery effort.”

Kat Latham, Regional Director of Disaster Recovery at United Way of East Tennessee
Highlands, said: “This generous grant from the State of TN is a testament to the power of partnership in overcoming adversity. It will significantly bolster our long-term recovery initiatives, allowing us to build a more resilient future for everyone impacted by the recent disaster. The United Way remains committed to strengthening our region by supporting long-term disaster recovery efforts.”

Cocke County LTRG is a VOAD-structured nonprofit built under the guidance of national leaders in disaster recovery, including the American Red Cross, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Disaster Services Corporation. The organization brings together nearly 50 collaborative partners representing local, regional, state, and national entities, all united by a shared commitment to long-term recovery.

The Cocke County LTRG also extends deep gratitude to the East Tennessee Foundation, whose generous and timely support has played a crucial role in making this work possible. Their continued investment in community-led recovery has helped lay the groundwork for sustainable, long-term solutions in the region.

Duckett added, “We are deeply grateful to Governor Bill Lee, First Lady Maria Lee, and the many champions in Nashville whose support made this possible. We also recognize the unwavering commitment of our partners and community leaders, without whom this progress would not be possible.”

The Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund provides flexible financial resources to meet unmet disaster recovery needs across Tennessee—supporting local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and agricultural sectors.

To learn more about the Cocke County Long-Term Recovery Group, visit
https://cockecountyltrg.org.

Media Contact:
Spring Duckett
Executive Director, Cocke County Long-Term Recovery Group
423-248-2797
director@cockecountyltrg.org