Mississippi Governor Barbour To Appeal FEMA Denial

April 18, 2008 -- JACKSON, Mississippi – Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour said today he will appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s denial of his request for federal disaster assistance in the wake of destructive tornadoes that struck the City of Jackson and Hinds County on April 4, 2008.

Tornado damage: Devastation following a 2002 tornado in Columbus, Mississippi. Photo by Anita Westervelt / FEMA

“Having seen the damages first-hand, I am obviously very disappointed by FEMA’s decision to deny my request for a disaster declaration, and will file an immediate appeal. I will continue to work with Jackson and Hinds County to try to get the federal assistance needed to help them recover from this very damaging storm,” Governor Barbour said.

The Governor said he was notified Friday afternoon that FEMA had denied his request for a disaster declaration, which would have provided assistance for both individuals and public facilities that suffered damages in Jackson and Hinds County. In denying the request for individual and public assistance FEMA said its assessment found there was not sufficient damage beyond the capabilities of the state and local entities.

Already today, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has been working with Hinds County and City of Jackson officials on the appeal. Governor Barbour said state and local officials will continue to work together to ensure the previous assessment totals accurately reflect the damages, and all new findings will be submitted to FEMA with the request for a reconsideration.

Source: Mississippi Governor

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