Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has requested a major disaster declaration from the White House for widespread damage incurred during Winter Storm Fern, he announced Tuesday.
If approved by President Donald Trump, the declaration would make multiple counties eligible for individual assistance and disaster unemployment under the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It would also help local governments with debris removal and infrastructure repairs under FEMA’s public assistance program, according to a news release from Reeves’ office.
The release does not specify which counties would qualify for assistance if the disaster declaration is granted. It notes, however, that the governor’s request may be updated to include additional counties as damage assessments continue across the state. Most of the damage from Fern occurred in North Mississippi and the Mississippi Delta.
“The state of Mississippi has been working closely with FEMA, state agencies, and local governments on this Major Disaster Declaration request,” Reeves stated in the Tuesday release. “Together, we’ve been assessing damage and working to ensure that my request met the required federal thresholds. My request is another step forward as we continue to help Mississippians recover from the historic winter weather storm.”
As of Sunday, Feb. 1, 23 weather-related fatalities had been reported statewide, and around 55,800 Mississippians were still without power, according to an update from Reeves’ office. More than 40 counties across the state had made requests for assistance, and emergency personnel were still working to clear some roadways in North Mississippi and the Delta.
President Trump approved Reeves’ initial emergency declaration for Mississippi on Jan. 24, authorizing FEMA to supplement local response efforts and provide equipment and resources to hard-hit counties. A major disaster declaration would significantly expand the scope of federal assistance available to Mississippi, potentially allowing for public infrastructure rebuilding and long-term recovery funding.
Reeves’ request comes as the Trump administration weighs making it harder to qualify for FEMA assistance and shifting a larger share of disaster expenses over to states. Last year, Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Mississippi almost two months after storms and tornadoes devastated multiple counties.
