Louisiana
After deadly winter storm in Louisiana, Trump approves federal disaster money
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump approved Thursday Louisiana’s request for a major disaster declaration, which opens access to federal money to recover from last month’s winter storm.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will now pick up some of the costs that state and local governments and some nonprofits incurred responding to the storm, which killed nine people, closed Interstate 20, and cut power to more than 175,000 homes.
The money will help pay for debris removal, emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas and West Carroll parishes.
Gov. Jeff Landry requested the declaration on February 5 for the effects of the ice and snow storm that hit Louisiana from January 23 to 27.
Tonia Pence has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
This is a developing story.