MEMA and Governor Reeves react to FEMA phase out plans

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - State officials have responded to the potential phasing out of FEMA after this hurricane season.

Mississippi is no stranger to natural disasters and residents are concerned about the future of FEMA.

 In March, tornadoes devastated thousands of Mississippians and federal assistance was approved in late May.

State officials say that while things could change in the future federally, nothing has changed in statewide efforts to provide support.

MEMA’s Executive Director of External Affairs, Scott Simmons says MEMA remains steadfast in their efforts to help Mississippians.

“I can tell you right now, nothing has changed. Our response is day by day, helping those thousands of Mississippians get what they need to get back on their feet and their lives back together as best we can. Nothing has changed for us, and until something officially does change, we’re going to keep operating under these rules.”

Governor Tate Reeves says further action would have to be taken in Washington for things to change during this current hurricane season.

“I confirmed with Secretary Noem yesterday that until there is either additional action by Congress or an additional executive order by the President, there is going to be business as usual with respect to FEMA during this hurricane season.”

Reeves did acknowledge the pitfalls of the current relations between FEMA and states in need of assistance.

“There are too many states that have depended solely on the federal government to do it all, and that’s not going to be the case anymore. And so I think we can arrive at an agreement that does not take away the support offered by the federal government for some of these disasters. Now, there may be some changes.”

For now, Simmons says MEMA’s position has not changed.

“We’re still moving forward under the rules that are set in place for emergency response because MEMA’s always ready to respond.”

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.