Napolitano tours flood-damaged Nashville

NASHVILLE, May 9 (UPI) -- Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano visited flood-affected areas of Nashville with Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, her office said.

Napolitano, Bredesen and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate Saturday took a walking tour of the city's Bordeaux district, which sustained major damage during the recent floods, Homeland Security officials said in a release.

"DHS and the entire federal government will do everything possible to support the people of Tennessee and across the Southeast in getting back on their feet quickly, coordinated every step of the way with our state and local partners," Napolitano said.

Napolitano also visited Bellevue Recreation Center, where a local volunteer organization is helping residents whose homes were affected by flooding, the department said. Also at the center were Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn; Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.; and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.

While visiting a blood drive sponsored by the Tennessee Titans football team, Napolitano thanked the Titans for their efforts to rebuild the region. The Titans, the National Football League and the NFL Players Association announced a $400,000 donation to support flood relief efforts.

Homeland Security officials said more than 16,200 individuals and families in Tennessee registered for FEMA assistance. As of Sunday, more than $4.1 million in FEMA assistance has been approved.