USDA officials tour flood stricken Mississippi - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS
Recovery from the Great Flood of 2011 will be a huge task. That's why officials from the United States Department of Agriculture are trying to get a head start by taking a two-day tour of southern states affected by recent natural disasters.
Congressman Bennie Thompson joined the USDA representatives aboard a helicopter departing from Jackson's Hawkins Field for a "bird's eye view" view of flood ravaged Mississippi counties.
Thompson said, "One of the criticisms of Katrina was the federal response was inadequate, so even while the water's here, we want those individuals and agencies who have the responsibility for dealing with the response to be on the ground; to know where it is, so when the water recedes, we can get on the business of getting those communities made whole again."
USDA officials say it's still too soon to put a dollar figure on the damage. They will assess damages and discuss available assistance with rural communities.
Copyright 2011 WLBT. All rights reserved.
 | 
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
715 South Jefferson Street 
|
