ACKSON, Miss. — President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Mississippi, making federal assistance available to residents and communities recovering from damage caused by Tropical Storm Arthur in June.
The declaration covers storm damage that occurred June 18-20 and authorizes federal assistance for individuals in Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone counties, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Eligible residents may receive grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to help cover uninsured property losses and other assistance programs designed to support recovery from the storm.
FEMA advises individuals and families who experienced losses to first file claims with their insurance providers before applying for federal assistance. Applications can be submitted online, by phone or through the FEMA mobile app.
The declaration also provides federal funding on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged during the storm. Eligible recipients include state, tribal and local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations.
Public assistance funding is available in Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone and Wayne counties.
FEMA named E. Craig Levy Sr. as the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations in the affected areas. The agency said additional counties could be designated for assistance if ongoing damage assessments warrant further aid.
