As parts of Mississippi work to recover from devastation caused by Winter Storm Fern, the federal government is stepping in with “rapid emergency funding” for generators, debris removal, and other urgent needs.
“As part of the Trump Administration’s effort to modernize FEMA and cut unnecessary red tape, FEMA is delivering expedited, upfront emergency funding to Mississippi to support immediate, life-saving response actions following the recent severe storm,” a Friday press release from FEMA noted.
The release said the funding includes $3.75 million that will be used by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for urgent emergency actions, including:
- Deployment of generators and temporary power for hospitals, nursing homes, water systems, emergency shelters, and other critical facilities.
- Emergency debris clearance to maintain access for emergency vehicles and responders.
- Operation of emergency shelters, including food, water, cots, blankets, and hygiene supplies.
- Activation and operation of state and local emergency operations centers.
- Emergency logistics, communications, and protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Typically, states request a federal emergency declaration, which the president must approve – President Donald Trump did that for Mississippi on Saturday during the storm’s weekend tear – after which FEMA reimburses eligible cleanup and response costs. For Fern, FEMA officials noted, “because the storm was so serious, FEMA is sending money upfront so Mississippi can act quickly.”
Before the funding was issued, FEMA had sent some immediate assistance to Mississippi, including 90 large-scale generators that have been used at impacted places with high population reaches such as nursing homes and water treatment facilities, Gov. Tate Reeves said on Thursday.
Winter Storm Fern brought with it damage that has been reported in at least 47 counties, with 21 counties still reporting ice as of Friday morning. At least 14 fatalities have been attributed to the storm, as well.