Washington, D.C. – Harrison County will receive a grant totaling $1,078,595 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to either acquire or elevate 14 area homes that have been repetitively damaged by flood waters, Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott announced today.

The funds will pay for 13 homes to be elevated and one property to be acquired and demolished. All property owners must voluntarily agree to participate in the program. The structures are located in the flood plains of Tuxachanie Creek, Tchouchabouffa River, and its tributaries. This process will allow floodwaters to flow unimpeded through the area, preventing back-ups that might also threaten other adjoining neighborhoods.

Cochran said, "This project will provide important relief for Harrison County residents who have battled floods and sustained flood damage time after time."

"Controlling flood waters has always been a very important issue to Mississippians, and I am pleased that the Bush Administration has approved this expenditure for our state," Senator Lott said. "This funding will help promote enhanced public safety and minimize the risk to property and lives in this area."

Total project costs for this program are $1,154,295. Harrison County and local homeowners will pay the remaining $75,700 that is not covered by the FEMA grant. The funds for this project come from FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.