Federal Disaster Declared In Select Mississippi Counties

April 24-- Apr. 24--TUPELO -- A federal declaration will unlock additional funds for select Northeast Mississippi counties recovering from natural disasters.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump formally declared a federal state of disaster in Calhoun, Chickasaw, Clay, Grenada, Lowndes, Pontotoc and Tishomingo counties.

The named counties have variously suffered from flooding, high straight-line winds, severe storms and tornadoes in recent months.

Lee County, which suffered flooding in late February, is not yet on the federal disaster list. A residential neighborhood in Saltillo was especially damaged.

According to a press statement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to assess damages in other Mississippi counties.

Lee County Chancery Clerk Bill Benson said assessments continue here locally and he hopes Lee County will be added to the state of disaster list.

Federal disaster status will allow eligible local governments to request FEMA money to help pay for disaster recovery and mitigation, including debris removal.

Lee County Road Manager Tim Allred continues to track and document storm related recovery spending.

At last estimate, storm recovery spending tops at least $30,000, and will almost certainly climb higher.

The county is currently seeking bids for bridge and road repairs related to flood damage. Allred said total county spending on disaster recovery could conceivably reach as high as $600,000.

That would take a chunk out of Lee County's general budget if no federal aid funds become available.

"If I don't get this declaration, we're in trouble," Allred said. " This is not a funny, laughing matter. If FEMA doesn't pay, somebody's got to pay."

caleb.bedillion@journalinc.com

Twitter: @CalebBedillion

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