Release Date: September 15, 2006
Release Number: 1604-442
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
BILOXI, Miss. -- Federal grants have now topped $9 billion to lend a hand to Mississippi in its recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
The funds, approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been disbursed through the Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs. Individual Assistance helps with housing and other needs that cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance or insurance. Grants are awarded to state and local governments and certain nonprofit entities through the Public Assistance program to provide assistance for debris removal, to implement emergency protective measures and to permanently restore infrastructure. Funding is also available through Public Assistance for hazard mitigation measures.
The federal grants are matched, in varying percentages, by the state. Mississippi disburses the federal and the state share of funds to applicants. Thus far through this process, Mississippi has disbursed $780 million to public assistance applicants for rebuilding projects including bridges, public buildings and utilities.
FEMA continues to work closely with applicants, local and state organizations and voluntary agencies in rebuilding Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Grants are being approved and disbursed through the following programs:
More than $1.2 billion to individuals and families:
More than $1 billion was approved for the following Public Assistance (not including debris removal):
About $1.3 billion has been approved for land-based debris removal. About $231 million will be disbursed for marine debris removal:
Other assistance:
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Sep-2006 10:48:53