Hancock County To Receive $4.3 Million In Federal Grants For Debris Removal 

Release Date: October 27, 2008
Release Number: 1794-031

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Gustav

LONG BEACH, Miss. -- Hancock County - one of 22 Mississippi counties designated eligible to receive federal Public Assistance - has been approved for two federal grants totaling more than $4.3 million to help pay costs of removing and disposing of debris strewn by Hurricane Gustav, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency announced this week.

One grant is to cover the eligible costs of removing debris from county roads and rights-of-way and the other is to cover debris removal from the 15 miles of county-maintained beach. The grants will be on a cost-sharing basis with the federal share being 80 percent and the remaining 20 percent to be shared by the state and local governments.

Projected cost of the roads and rights-of-way debris removal is $3,877,000 with the federal government's share at $3,101,600. Cost of removal of debris from the beach area is $1,552,000 with the federal government paying $1,241,600.

"This project is an excellent example of how governments, with the right direction, goals and objectives can cooperate to achieve a common goal," said MEMA Director Mike Womack. "These funds are critical in helping those impacted communities recover from Hurricane Gustav."

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the state. It is the state's responsibility to ensure that the county receives the grants. Following the state's review of the project and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, the state will provide funds to the county on a reimbursable basis.

Hurricane Gustav, with its heavy rains and strong winds uprooted trees, broken limbs, and damaged buildings, scattering approximately 350,000 cubic yards of debris along county roads, rights-of-way and beaches. Total cost of both projects is $5,429,000, which includes the cost to pick-up, haul and dispose of the debris.

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: Friday, 31-Oct-2008 16:40:18