Area leaders held a meeting with Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Emergency Management Authority officials regarding the Polk County rockslide that still has U.S. 64 blocked.
"Our main concern is to find relief for our residents who are suffering from the effects of the rockslide," said Rep. Eric Watson. "We recognize that people are dealing with long commutes and that businesses are suffering."
He said, "Governor Bredesen listened to our concerns and asked that his staff check with Department of Human Services and Department of Transportation to see if they can find funds to help assist the people in need.
"TEMA Director James Bassham assured us they are doing everything they can to meet the cleanup deadline of March 31. However, he said safety will not be compromised at the risk of meeting a deadline."
Ducktown Mayor James Talley expressed his concern for the residents that fall in the middle of making enough to take care of themselves through a difficult time and not making enough to qualify for what little assistance is available. He said, "The average citizen seems to be ignored in situations like this and they have to choose between gas money to drive the extra miles to get to work and buying food for their family."
State Rep. Mike Bell and Senator Dewayne Bunch were other leaders included in the meeting.
Rep. Watson said, "All parties involved agree that the residents of Polk County need to know that the state and federal government have not forgotten them and deserve to receive communication from our state leaders."