WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., today welcomed President Trump’s approval of Governor Phil Bryant’s request for federal disaster assistance related to damages caused by Hurricane Nate early last month.

President Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Mississippi late Nov. 22.  Cochran, Wicker, and Palazzo endorsed the request in a Nov. 2 letter to President Trump.  Bryant declared a state of emergency on Oct. 6 before Hurricane Nate made landfall on the Mississippi coast on Oct. 8.

“Following severe weather events across the State of Mississippi on October 8, 2017, we request your full consideration of Governor Phil Bryant’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration,” said the lawmakers’ letter, which also outlined activities in the state prior to and following the storm.

“The State of Mississippi is prepared to expend funds in response to this disaster, but federal assistance is necessary due to the severity and magnitude of the disaster,” the letter stated.

The presidential declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide Public Assistance funding for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in George, Greene, Harrison, and Jackson counties.  It will also permit Hazard Mitigation grant assistance statewide to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards).

In his Oct. 27 request, Bryant cited damage caused by Hurricane Nate, which had high winds in excess of 85 miles per hour and an 11-foot storm surge.  Severe storm conditions and tornadoes associated with the hurricane resulted in damaged homes and businesses, significant power outages, and widespread debris.