More federal funding is being sent to Mississippi as many of the state’s communities continue to recover from Winter Storm Fern.
After announcing $5 million for disaster recovery efforts less than a week ago, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $13 million in funding to support nine recovery projects in Mississippi communities affected by the January ice storm.
Notable recovery projects FEMA funded include:
- $11.3 millionto Lafayette County for debris removal efforts.
- $451,254 to Marshall County for debris removal efforts.
- $312,238to New Albany Light, Gas, & Water for debris removal efforts.
- $178,000 to Southwest MS Electric Power Association to fund utility poles repair or replacement.
- $106,206to Tishomingo County for emergency protective measures.
FEMA is reimbursing these recovery costs at no less than a 75% federal cost share through its Public Assistance program, which provides funds for state and local governments’ response and recovery work. As for money related to the ice storm, the state has a revolving loan program in effect, allowing counties and municipalities to access funding while awaiting federal reimbursement
Winter Storm Fern hit this past January and impacted over half of Mississippi, destroying trees and power lines, leaving roughly 180,000 customers without power at its peak, and killing 29. As of late February, more than 12,000 insurance claims had been filed, totaling over $107 million, according to the Mississippi Insurance Department.
