Restore Nashville recovery proposals target water-bill penalties and emergency housing aid after Winter Storm Fern

Metro expands recovery actions as residents report storm-related financial strain

Nashville officials have rolled out a set of recovery measures under the “Restore Nashville” banner following Winter Storm Fern, which affected parts of Tennessee from Jan. 24–27, 2026. The steps focus on reducing near-term household costs tied to utilities and housing while the city continues longer-term cleanup and repair work.

The approach comes as Metro government and state agencies track infrastructure disruptions and storm impacts, including water-main breaks and ongoing repair needs. Federal disaster assistance has been approved for public-sector response and recovery costs in a group of Tennessee counties that includes Davidson County, but direct federal cash assistance for individuals remained under review as of early February.

Water-bill relief proposal would suspend shutoffs and late fees for February

One of the most immediate measures centers on water bills. The mayor has asked Metro Water Services to introduce legislation that would suspend penalties on water bills for February 2026. The proposal is designed to prevent turn-offs and late fees during the month, reflecting concerns that residents could face unusually high bills tied to storm conditions, including actions taken to prevent pipe freezes and property damage.

If approved, the change would function as a temporary penalty suspension rather than a forgiveness program, providing residents time to catch up on balances without added fees or the risk of shutoff during the recovery period.

$750,000 reallocation and a $250,000 Titans donation support emergency housing payments

Metro Finance is reallocating $750,000 from American Rescue Plan funding to support the Emergency Winter Housing Assistance Program, administered through the Metropolitan Action Commission. The Tennessee Titans have donated $250,000 to help launch the program’s storm-related housing assistance component.

The program provides up to $2,000 per household for eligible Davidson County residents impacted by Winter Storm Fern, with payments made directly to a leasing organization or mortgage company. Assistance is limited to February or March 2026 housing expenses. Eligibility is tied to county residency, documented storm-related hardship, and income limits set at or below 80% of area median income.

Early program demand was significant, with Metro reporting more than 130 applications in the first hour after opening and roughly 800 applications by the second day.

Applications opened Feb. 5, 2026, and are scheduled to close Feb. 12, 2026, with awards dependent on completed submissions and available funding.

Disaster assistance centers to connect residents with services

Metro is also opening two disaster assistance centers at the Hadley and Smith Springs regional centers. The sites are intended to connect residents with food, health, and other social-service resources as recovery continues.

Federal aid status: public assistance approved, individual assistance pending

A Major Disaster Declaration approved federal public assistance for eligible government entities and certain nonprofits in 15 counties, including Davidson, supporting debris removal and infrastructure-related recovery costs. FEMA Individual Assistance, which can provide direct support to eligible households for certain uninsured needs, was still under federal review as recovery operations continued into February.

• Key proposed local relief: February suspension of water shutoffs and late fees.
• Housing support: up to $2,000 per eligible household for February or March housing expenses.
• Access points: disaster assistance centers at Hadley and Smith Springs regional centers.