Senators Thad Cochran, Roger Wicker and Congressman Steven Palazzo said that they welcomed President Trump’s approval of Governor Phil Bryant’s request for federal disaster assistance related to damages caused by Hurricane Nate early last month.
President Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Mississippi and Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo had previously endorsed the request in a letter to President Trump earlier in November. Governor Bryant had declared a state of emergency on Oct. 6 before Hurricane Nate made landfall on the Mississippi coast on Oct. 8.
“Following severe weather events across the State of Mississippi on October 8, 2017, we request your full consideration of Governor Phil Bryant’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration,” said the lawmakers’ letter, which also outlined activities in the state prior to and following the storm. “The State of Mississippi is prepared to expend funds in response to this disaster, but federal assistance is necessary due to the severity and magnitude of the disaster.”
The presidential declaration will allow FEMA to provide Public Assistance funding for emergency work, as well as, the repair or replacement of facilities in George, Greene, Harrison, and Jackson counties that were damaged by the Hurricane.
The declaration will also allow Hazard Mitigation grant assistance statewide that will help prevent or reduce the long term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
During Hurricane Nate, high winds were in excess of 85 miles per hour and there was an 11-foot storm surge.
Severe storm conditions and tornadoes associated with the hurricane resulted in damaged homes and businesses, significant power outages, and widespread debris.
