President Biden’s emergency declaration authorizes emergency protective measures, including Direct Federal Assistance, for Hinds County at 75 percent federal funding for 90 days. Emergency protective measures are those taken to save lives and protect property and public health.
The City of Jackson and all local governments within Hinds County are eligible to apply for assistance.
FEMA, EPA, and USACE are supporting the state’s emergency response and helping identify longer-term solutions to improve the water infrastructure.
USACE is providing technical assistance with an assessment of the water treatment facility to identify the issues and solutions to get the system operable. This includes working with the city to develop a winterization and resiliency plan.
EPA is supporting the assessment of the city’s water treatment facility and has expedited delivery of critical equipment to help repair the plant. EPA is providing technical support for the operator staffing plan.
The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships has contacted faith leaders to identify any additional needs. Marcus Coleman, the Center’s director, has met with faith leaders and community partners including leadership from the New Hope Baptist Church and New Horizon Baptist International, the Disaster Manager of the National Baptist Convention USA, Dr. Portia Espy, President and CEO of the Mississippi Urban League, and Dawn Bishop McLin, President of the Faculty Senate, Jackson State University.
FEMA staff are coordinating with State Voluntary Liaisons who are assisting Mississippi VOAD partners with water distribution.
Two FEMA Civil Rights Advisors have been deployed to support federal operations and advise federal leadership on equity and civil rights concerns or questions as needed.
For long-term resiliency, USACE recently received $5 million in FY22 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the City of Jackson Water System Rehabilitation project (water and wastewater rehabilitation), with a federal cost share of 75%. USACE will work with the city on priorities.
EPA is providing technical support to the city and the state with the operator staffing plan through mutual aid until a contract operator is identified.
In addition to assistance provided under the Emergency Declaration, FEMA is identifying other available federal resources, beyond what FEMA programs can provide, to help the City of Jackson and the state to address longer-term solutions to the city’s water system. A Type 1 Federal Disaster Recovery Officer has been deployed to the state EOC. This person specializes in coordinating support from multiple federal agencies and programs and connecting them with local and state entities for long-term recovery efforts after a disaster or emergency.
Water Distribution
The Mississippi National Guard and MEMA are managing water distribution with local officials. The private sector and voluntary organizations are also providing water to those who cannot get to distribution sites. Currently, the state is using its own resources to manage the water distribution. FEMA has water available, if needed, through its network of distribution centers.
MEMA’s webpage for the Jackson water crisis at MSEMA.org/Jackson-water-crisis-2022 includes a list of distribution sites and phone numbers to call if individuals need water delivered to their homes.