Lincoln Co. among those getting help

Published 5:00 am Friday, April 25, 2003

Lincoln County is among Mississippi counties approved forfederal disaster assistance by President George W. Bush, Gov.Ronnie Musgrove said Thursday.

“I think it’s very good news for the county,” saidBrookhaven-Lincoln County Civil Defense Director Clifford Galey inreacting to the governor’s announcement.

In a statement, Musgrove said Bush had approved his request fora disaster declaration for counties affected by tornadoes andflooding during the week of April 6-14.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

“Our focus has been on getting assistance to those affected bythe storms, and getting that assistance as soon as possible,”Musgrove said. “I appreciate the quick and favorable response toour requests.”

Lincoln County was approved for both individual assistance forcitizens and for public assistance to help the county in repairs ofdamaged public facilities.

“With this declaration, the rebuilding process gains new energyand momentum,” Musgrove said. “Homes, businesses and lives will geta new start.”

To register for federal assistance, citizens may call800-621-FEMA (3362). Phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.daily.

Galey expected it would be a few days before federal officialswould be in a position to offer assistance.

“As soon as they get everything set up, they’ll be here to helpthe county and everyone affected by the storm,” Galey said.

Galey said flyers and other announcements about the declarationwould be posted in areas affected by the storm.

“There’s a lot of people out there who need help,” Galeysaid.

Musgrove declared a state emergency on April 7 and asked thepresident for individual assistance, crisis counseling and SmallBusiness Administration disaster loans. That damage is estimated at$21 million by the state Department of Insurance. Actual figureswill be higher, once damage to uninsured property is included.

The governor expanded the request last week for federal reliefto include funds for local governments to repair roads, bridges,public buildings and some private nonprofit entities.

The severe storms brought hail, flooding rains and tornadoes tothe state. The storms were blamed for one death, nine injuries andabout 1,300 homes and businesses being damaged.

Public assistance is being made available in Clarke, Hinds,Lauderdale, Lincoln, Madison, Newton, Scott, Warren and Yazoocounties. Public facilities damage in those counties has beenestimated at $4.8 million.

Individual assistance is being made available in Amite, Attala,Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, Holmes, Issaquena,Jasper, Jefferson, Kemper, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln,Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith,Walthall, Warren, Wayne and Yazoo counties.