Washington, D.C. – President George W. Bush has declared a major disaster for the State of Mississippi making families and individuals eligible for federal emergency assistance in those counties that were struck by the severe storms and tornadoes on November 24 and 25, Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott announced today.

The federal disaster declaration directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the damaged areas by providing federal assistance to those families and individuals who suffered loss of life, injury and devastating property damage. Mississippi counties designated to receive assistance include: Bolivar, DeSoto, Hinds, Humphreys, Madison, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tate and Washington.

All counties are eligible to apply for hazard mitigation assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant program, which helps State and local governments take action to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural or technological hazards.

Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of FEMA, named Gracia Szczech to be the Federal Coordinating Officer for recovery operations in the affected area. The Agency continues to survey damaged areas, and additional assistance and counties may be added after the assessments are completed.

Cochran said, "I am pleased the President has approved this emergency assistance so that Mississippians who have suffered loss due to these storms can begin recovering and rebuilding as quickly as possible."

"I am delighted that President Bush has acted to provide this much needed assistance to Mississippians impacted by recent severe weather," Senator Lott said. "Mississippi has been hit especially hard by a variety of natural disasters in recent months, and each time the President has graciously acted to provide help to Mississippians. Though no amount of money can replace the loss of life, this funding is welcome news as our communities continue the recovery effort."