By Paige Gurgainers

An Emergency Declaration was filed following the aftermath left behind by Hurricane Beryl that hit Webster Parish on July 8 and 9.  

According to Webster Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Brian Williams, a representative from the National Weather Service out of Jackson, Mississippi was able to confirm five tornadoes with winds up to 110 MPH touched down in the parish – three in Shongaloo and 2 around Highway 79.  

Webster along with Bossier and Desoto parishes filed for state assistance.  

“The three parishes were approved by the state for state funding,” said Williams. “We have signed a CEA (Cooperative Endeavor Agreement) with the state for a 75-25 match.” 

This means the parish will be reimbursed 75 percent of the expenses that were spent on storm damage clean-up efforts.  

He said, “This is a new process with the Homeland Security Director through the new governor’s office. They are fast-tracking the state side. It has nothing to do with FEMA.” 

According to Williams, once everything is approved by the state it will take approximately 30 days to receive these funds.