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.
Gov Reeves supports federal relief for water repairs, opening another door to possible help for Jackson wlbt.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wlbt.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Timeline: Jackson is in the middle of a water crisis. How did we get here? Sarah Haselhorst, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
WATCH: Jackson resident nine days without water gets her water back
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A water outage in Jackson has caused many to lug gallons from distribution sites to their homes just to flush the toilet. Low pressure in faucets has made it difficult to shower or wash dishes. A citywide water boil has left thousands of people without immediate, safe drinking water.
How did it happen? Here s what to know:
Feb. 16: Winter weather and icy temperatures choked equipment at the city s water treatment plants, rendering water pressure inadequate. It caused nearly 43,000 water customers in Jackson to be placed under a boil-water advisory.
TIMELINE: Jackson water crisis has residents struggling without water clarionledger.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from clarionledger.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.