Gov. Reeves requests Disaster Assistance For February Severe Storms

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced his request for disaster assistance for Mississippians impacted by the Pearl River flooding and severe weather on February 10-18, 2020.

Working to help Mississippians recover from the devastation of the historic flooding and storms in February, Governor Reeves is requesting a Federal Declaration for Public Assistance.

“Mississippians are strong and resilient, but the historic flooding and severe weather we experienced is more than anyone should have to recover from alone. When disaster strikes and a fellow Mississippian is in need, we lend a helping hand. I want to thank all the hardworking men and women who helped complete these damage assessments to ensure every community hit can receive the necessary assistance to recover,” said Governor Tate Reeves.

Joint Public Assistance damage assessments were conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance personnel, along with local governments. Assessments began on March 9, 2020 in the following counties: Attala, Carroll, Claiborne, Clay, Copiah, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Leflore, Warren, and Yazoo.

After the completion of all damage assessments, it was determined that each of those eleven counties met the threshold to receive assistance.

Issaquena and Sharkey Counties were also included in the Joint Damages Assessments, but due to ongoing flooding the damage could not be assessed. The damage in these areas will be assessed at a later date.

More counties could be added to this request.

Governor Reeves is also requesting disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Central Mississippi communities hit by the Pearl River flooding on February 10-14, 2020.

Today, the Governor sent a letter (below) to SBA Director Kem Fleming asking that low-interest loans be made available to aid small businesses and property owners in Hinds and Madison Counties damaged by the historic flooding.

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Release from the Office of the Governor.