FEMA Grants Individual Assistance to Three Mississippi Counties Hit by Gustav
From: FEMA News Release   Filed 9/27/08  GCN

PEARL – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Governor Haley Barbour’s request Individual Assistance to three Mississippi counties following the submission of additional information detailing damages caused by Hurricane Gustav Sept. 1.

FEMA granted IA to Hancock, Harrison and Washington counties late Friday after joint assessment teams documented the new damages Thursday in those counties.

"I appreciate FEMA's approval of the additional recovery activities under these programs, and the aggressive support of Senator Cochran, Senator Wicker and the state's Congressional delegation," Governor Barbour said.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program means residents in the declared counties will be eligible for the following programs: Individuals and Households Program; Crisis Counseling; Transitional Sheltering Assistance for Displaced Individuals and Households; and Critical Needs Assistance for Individuals and Households.  The Small Business Administration low-interest loan program will also be implemented in these counties.

Additionally, FEMA granted Governor Haley Barbour’s request to add Washington County to the Federal Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance.  The Public Assistance program allows governments and certain private nonprofit organizations to be reimbursed for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Earlier this week FEMA declared 20 other Mississippi counties eligible for the Public Assistance program.