Rep. Thompson: Miss. Delegation Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for February Storm Damage

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, D-Mississippi, issued the following news release:

The Mississippi congressional delegation, which includes U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., and Michael Guest, R-Miss., sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump requesting full consideration of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves's request for a major federal disaster declaration in the wake of damages sustained across the state from the severe storms, flooding, and mudslides that occurred from Feb. 10 to Feb. 18, 2020.

These storms caused the Pearl River to reach its third-highest crest on record. If approved, the disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts.

The delegation's letter referenced damage reports indicating at least 487 lost or damaged homes in addition to 16 affected businesses, four farms, 160 roads, one bridge, and three non-profit utilities. The Governor's request covers 11 counties, including Attala, Carroll, Claiborne, Clay, Copiah, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Leflore, Warren, and Yazoo, as well as hazard mitigation assistance statewide.

Dear President Trump,

In the wake of recent devastating weather events and record flooding across the State of Mississippi, we request your full consideration of Governor Tate Reeves's request for a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act.

We appreciate the continued efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and anticipate expeditious assistance from the agency in assisting state and local officials in Mississippi as they continue their hard work to assess the severity of damages across our state from the severe storms, flooding, and mudslides that occurred from February 10 through February 18, 2020. These storms caused the Pearl River to reach its third-highest crest on record.

As Governor Reeves indicated in his request, the Joint Public Assistance damage assessments conducted by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), FEMA, and other agencies showed that at least one home was destroyed, 86 homes suffered major damage, and 400 homes suffered minor damage. In addition, 16 businesses, four farms, 160 roads, one bridge, and three non-profit utilities were reported as damaged from these events.

On February 15, 2020, Governor Reeves declared a State of Emergency in Mississippi to begin rebuilding. However, resources from the state government, local governments, and volunteer organizations are not adequate to recover from these damages. Significant federal assistance and cooperation are required.

We are determined to help Mississippi recover by supporting the affected local communities and the State of Mississippi as they work to rebuild from these major weather events.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort.

Sincerely,

Roger F. Wicker, United States Senator

Cindy Hyde-Smith, United States Senator

Bennie G. Thompson, Member of Congress

Steven Palazzo, Member of Congress

Trent Kelly, Member of Congress

Michael Guest, Member of Congress