Tuscumbia receives TVA funds in wake of tornado

The effects of the Feb. 15 tornado are still being felt by the City of Tuscumbia and its residents.

Despite the amount of damage caused by the severe weather, the city has received little in the way of outside aid.

Some help was received Friday, May 3, in the form of a $30,000 check from Tennessee Valley Authority’s Community Care Fund.

“After the tornado hit us in February, I was reaching out through all avenues for money,” said Tuscumbia Mayor William Foster. “I reached out to TVA and requested money from their emergency fund. For that to happen, they have to give the money to a nonprofit. They cannot give the money directly to the city itself.”

Downtown Tuscumbia Inc. was selected to receive the funds, as the nonprofit represents small business owners in the city, many of whom were affected by the tornado.

Foster said DTI Chairman Larry Lewis, who owns Superhero Chefs in the downtown area, has all the involved paperwork naming what the funds can and cannot be used for.

“He and his board, which is run by business owners and citizens from here, will come up with ideas on what to do with the money, and they will run that by the Council,” Foster said.

“TVA had a smaller amount approved initially, but I told them of the need we have, and they ended up giving us $30,000. I was very pleased to receive the money and be able to put it in the right hands. We will make sure this money will be spent correctly.”

After the funds were officially received, DTI posted a message to social media thanking TVA for the funds.

“Thank you Tennessee Valley Authority for your investment in our region through the Community Care Fund,” the post said. “We are excited for the potential impact and partnerships these funds will establish.”