There is still no federal disaster declaration in Mississippi as the city of Jackson enters the fourth week of its water crisis. That is likely to change in the next week, state officials said.
Several southern states have been approved for emergency declarations that open the door for federal assistance amid recovery from brutal winter storms that knocked out power and water services to millions in February.
President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for Texas on Feb. 20. He approved another for Louisiana Tuesday.
Gov. Tate Reeves has until March 21 to submit a declaration to the White House and FEMA. State Sen. John Horhn said Tuesday he expects the declaration to be sent by the end of next week. The governor's press secretary, Bailey Martin, said in an email the state is still in the process of requesting federal assistance.