Fed aid uncertain

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/10/8

Last week’s storm damaged nearly 8,000 homes between Jackson and Vicksburg, yet Uncle Sam may not be able to help as much as some homeowners would like.

FEMA crews and representatives from the the U.S. Small Business Administration went door to door in Jackson on Wednesday assessing the damage. They learned there was more damage than expected and that many homeowners are insured, meaning the county might not qualify for individual federal assistance.

FEMA mostly drove by homes where damage was reported, an effort to cover as much ground as possible. In cases where damage was severe or not clearly visible from the road, they went in for a closer look. The agency could finish its work as early as today.