WASHINGTON – Federal funding totaling $3,483,106 has been awarded to the City of Jackson, U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker announced today.  The grant, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is awarded for debris removal in Hinds County caused by the heavy storms that hit the area on April 4, 2008. 

“These funds are needed in the Jackson metro area to assist with debris removal costs that resulted from the April tornadoes,” Sen. Cochran said.  “I was pleased when FEMA reconsidered its initial decision to deny the disaster declaration that makes this federal assistance possible.  Because the government issued a disaster declaration, this funding can be provided and stand as an important signal of cooperation between local, state, and federal officials.”

“This is welcome news for Hinds County and the City of Jackson,” Sen. Wicker said.  “This $3.4 million funding announcement means local governments in Mississippi won’t be strained by having to cover the full cost of cleanup from April’s storm.”

Details on the award are as follows:

• City of Jackson – $3,483,106:  On April 4, 2008, heavy winds and heavy rain uprooted trees, scattered limbs, damaged buildings and infrastructure, and deposited debris throughout the City of Jackson.  Funds will be used to cover the cost of collection and disposal of debris caused by the storm.