Emergency Declaration Ordered for Ala., Miss.

Michael Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced on Monday that President Bush authorized an emergency declaration for Alabama and Mississippi. Federal resources are being allocated to support emergency protective response in the counties located in the path of Hurricane Katrina.

Brown said President Bush issued the declaration following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal assistance.

As a result of the declaration, FEMA will mobilize equipment and resources necessary to protect public health and safety by assisting law enforcement with evacuations, establishing shelters, supporting emergency medical needs, meeting immediate life-saving and life-sustaining human needs and protecting property, in addition to other emergency protective measures. In addition, federal funds will be available for public safety debris removal and emergency protective measures at 75 percent of approved costs.

In Alabama, the counties of Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, Sumter and Washington were designated eligible for assistance. Additional counties may be added at a late date after further evaluation.

In Mississippi, the counties of Covington, Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River and Stone were designated eligible for assistance. Additional counties may be added at a late date after further evaluation.