Biden approves Mississippi emergency declaration for Jackson water crisis

President Joe Biden has approved Mississippi’s emergency declaration due to the water crisis in Jackson.

On Tuesday, President Biden ordered federal assistance to aid in the state’s efforts in Jackson.

“The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in Hinds County,” the White House said in a statement.

Under the emergency declaration approval, FEMA is authorized to provide equipment and resources at its discretion to help with emergency response.

The White House also stated that direct federal assistance will be provided at 75 percent federal funding for 90 days, along with other emergency protective measures.