West Hancock Elementary Groundbreaking Set For 3 P.M., Sept. 27 

Release Date: September 26, 2007
Release Number: 1604-596

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BILOXI, Miss. -- As superintendent of the 4,300-student county school system in rural Hancock County, David Kopf said there have been "some issues" with federal paperwork, but he remains doggedly supportive of that process. "The system does work," he says. "We feel like good things come to those who wait." 

A groundbreaking event is scheduled for 3 p.m., Sept. 27, at the construction site of the proposed new West Hancock Elementary School, located on Mississippi Highway 43 about five miles northwest of its intersection with state route 603.

Kopf said a population shift, primarily north of I-10 in Hancock County, led the district to seek aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for construction of the new school on a rural site near the border with neighboring Pearl River County.

FEMA responded with a $2.5 million Public Assistance grant to cover the planning and constructing of the 750-student, Kindergarten-5th grade facility.

"There was an influx of residents (after Hurricane Katrina) from other areas in Hancock County and possibly from Pearl River into the northwestern part of the county," Kopf explained. "The new West Hancock School will be quite similar to the new South Hancock Elementary School. Both have the same design, but West Hancock will have a different (interior) paint scheme and brick color.

Despite any setbacks, Kopf is pleased with the outcome, adding that building the new school is "best for the entire county."

Good news for Kopf, teachers, staff and the parents of the children who will benefit from a brand-new West Hancock Elementary School.

The grant is part of FEMA's Public Assistance program, which provides financial assistance to state and local governments and certain non-profit organizations for disaster-related clean-up and rebuilding efforts. The grants help rebuild or restore buildings and infrastructure to pre-disaster condition. While these grants are aimed at governments and organizations, their final goal is to help a community and all its citizens recover from devastating natural disasters. The funds are administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 26-Sep-2007 14:36:58