News Summary
State officials in Tennessee have announced over $4 million in grants to support three companies—Foam Products, PlastiExports, and PolyPipe—recovering from Hurricane Helene. This funding aims to assist in rehiring and retraining affected employees as the companies begin to reopen and rebuild. The grants signify a shift in the state’s approach to disaster assistance, focusing on worker retention. The unprecedented damage caused by the hurricane underscores the ongoing recovery efforts required in the region.
Tennessee state officials have announced over $4 million in grants aimed at assisting three companies in the recovery process following the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, which struck nearly a year ago. The grants, sourced from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), will enable Foam Products, PlastiExports, and PolyPipe to rehire and retrain employees who were significantly affected by the disaster.
The funding comes as the companies begin to reopen their facilities and work towards rebuilding their operations, with plans to invest a combined total of $40 million. This initiative marks a notable shift in TNECD’s approach to disaster assistance; the department primarily allocates grants for business expansion, but the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Helene prompted the development of grants focused on worker retention and retraining.
The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene is evident, with Foam Products estimating damages of approximately $20 million, while PlastiExports reports losses exceeding $14 million. PolyPipe’s facility was completely destroyed, underscoring the catastrophic effects of the storm. The announcement of these grants comes amid ongoing efforts to support the affected community and businesses as they navigate the recovery process.
Details of the Grants
The three companies were selected through a competitive grant application process conducted by TNECD. Foam Products, PlastiExports, and PolyPipe are now in the preliminary stages of reopening, and they plan to utilize the granted funding to rehire employees who were laid off during the flooding and to provide necessary retraining in light of the disaster’s impact on their operations.
It is noteworthy that another company located in the Riverview Industrial Park, Impact Plastics, did not apply for the grant despite the overwhelming losses faced during the hurricane, where six workers tragically lost their lives. Meanwhile, other affected companies are either receiving aid from different state agencies, securing insurance compensation, or receiving no financial assistance at all, according to Austin Finch, the Executive Director for Unicoi County Economic and Community Development.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The TNECD’s initiative represents the first instance of providing retraining or retention funding in response to a natural disaster. Commissioner Stuart McWhorter underscored the importance of supporting the affected employees and businesses, emphasizing the enduring impact of Hurricane Helene on the local community.
Additionally, the timing of the grant announcement is significant, coming after a recent investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation cleared Impact Plastics of any legal wrongdoing related to the tragic deaths of its workers during the flood. The investigation found that although employees were granted time to evacuate, many chose to stay and assist others, ultimately leading to fatal outcomes when they sought refuge on a semitruck trailer that was later engulfed by floodwaters. In response to this incident, families of the deceased workers have begun filing lawsuits against Impact Plastics.
Community Resilience and Support
Community leaders, including Unicoi County Mayor Garland “Bubba” Evely and various state representatives, have expressed appreciation for the state’s support, highlighting the community’s resilience and commitment to recovery. TNECD officials are actively exploring additional financial assistance options as they work with local companies in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
As part of broader recovery efforts, initiatives are underway to restore utilities and infrastructure within the community. This long road to recovery demonstrates the collective resolve of Tennessee’s residents to rebuild following the significant challenges posed by the hurricane.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- TNECD News
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2025)
- WBIR News
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Elizabethton News
- Google News: Hurricane Helene recovery
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
