MEMA Hopes for Federal Aid for Storm Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration joined Mississippi and local officials to tour the Columbia area, as well as Jones and Lamar counties that were hit by tornadoes and high winds on Dec. 23.

Robert Latham Jr., executive director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, tells the Hattiesburg American the tour was to be completed Tuesday.

Latham says information gathered by FEMA and the SBA could results in federal assistance. That assistance could include money for the repair and reconstruction of public infrastructure and buildings and grants for individual homeowners and renters.

MEMA officials said initial numbers from the Dec. 23 storms show 241 total homes and 77 businesses suffered some damage in three Mississippi counties. There were five deaths and 50 reported injuries.