The federal government is assisting efforts by Mississippi communities to recover from Tropical Storm Arthur.
Gov. Tate Reeves announced Tuesday morning that President Donald Trump approved the state’s request for a major disaster declaration for counties impacted by the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flash flooding on June 18-20. Officials with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency estimate that the storm damaged 532 homes, 17 businesses, and five farms.
A major disaster declaration is an official order by the U.S. President that unlocks wide-ranging federal funds and resources.
“I’m grateful to President Trump and his administration for assisting Mississippi as we recover from the storm,” Reeves said. “This declaration will further strengthen our recovery efforts and deliver additional support to Mississippians. We continue praying for every community impacted. The state of Mississippi will continue to assist for as long as it takes.”
In Mississippi, individual assistance has been approved for Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties. Individual Assistance is available to residents in declared counties and may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs designed to help individuals recover from disaster impacts.
Public Assistance is approved for Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne counties. Public Assistance provides grants to local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the restoration of damaged public infrastructure.
Individuals in the approved counties can apply for assistance by registering online, by calling (1-800) 621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App.