Tony Gonzalez

Tennesseans have been waiting and hoping for this assistance.

Now survivors in 29 counties can get individual aid that can reimburse people for temporary lodging, living expenses, and home repairs.

The ice storm's impacts were vast, with unprecedented damage to trees and utility lines.

More than 300,000 households lost power, some for nearly two weeks, forcing residents to stay in shelters and hotels.

Governor Bill Lee sought federal help, and he said early on that he hoped it would come quickly because the impacts were so evident.

But disaster declarations have been taking longer under the current administration, and it was 72 days between the governor's ask and the approval.

For NPR News, I'm Tony Gonzalez in Nashville.

You know, very, very direct, Pag.

I made a mistake.

And I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith.

And I take full responsibility for those actions.

Since then, I've reconciled with my wife, Angel.

I've asked God to forgive me, which he has.

And my faith is as strong as ever.

You don't know that.

When you make mistakes like this, you know, it's never easy.

It humbles you.

But it's important to kind of work through it all.

You know, I look forward to the ethics committee starting an investigation.

I appreciate the opportunity.