WASHINGTON -  President Bush has issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Mississippi, Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker announced today. 

The Counties of Bolivar, Warren, Washington, and Wilkinson will now be eligible to receive Individual Assistance for citizens and households that have been damaged by recent flooding in the Delta.  Counties across the state will be eligible for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which will help reduce the impact of future disasters.

“This flooding disaster highlights the need for the construction of the Yazoo Backwater Project.  This environmentally sound project would protect homes, businesses, and wildlife habitat from future catastrophic flooding events,” said Senator Cochran.  “I am grateful that President Bush has recognized the serious needs that were caused by the recent storms and subsequent flooding in the Mississippi Delta.  Residents of the Delta will now be able to receive the help they need to recover from the destructive floods and prepare for future natural disasters.” 

“These funds are a welcome relief for the hundreds of Mississippians whose lives have been changed by this flood,” Sen. Wicker said.  “By providing for housing assistance, this disaster declaration will help struggling families get back on their feet and allow them to begin rebuilding their lives.  I appreciate the president’s timely and necessary response for these people in need.” 

Severe storms beginning March 19 caused significant flooding in the Delta region of Mississippi.  Reports of damage or destruction of homes, bridges, roads and buildings continue to surface.  This declaration was in response to an April 24 request by Governor Haley Barbour supported by Senators Cochran and Wicker.

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