Gustav could cost Mississippi more than $78M

The Sun Herald, 9/9/8

Hurricane Gustav is expected to cost Mississippi state government more than $78 million, a figure that includes damages, debris removal and overtime for state employees.

Gov. Haley Barbour has asked President Bush for a disaster declaration, which would help the state recoup some of the money through federal reimbursements.

The $78 million includes damages to infrastructure and public buildings and overtime worked by state employees during emergency preparations and response, said Mississippi Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Katherine Crowell. Mississippi’s state budget this year is $5 billion.