The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved a plan outlining how Mississippi will use around $135 million in federal funding to help residents impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Governor Tate Reeves announced on Monday that the federal agency gave the green light for the state to move forward with its “Mississippi’s Draft Action Plan,” allowing HUD’s Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery funding to be allocated to impacted areas.
The plan was submitted to HUD in June following a review of unmet needs across affected regions. HUD finalized its approval of the Action Plan on July 31, allowing the Mississippi Development Authority to begin implementing recovery programs once the grant agreement is executed.
The funding, authorized through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, will be assigned to support communities in Hinds, Humphries, Jackson, Monroe, Scott, and Sharkey counties. The plan, per a release from the governor’s office, was developed following a 30-day public comment period and a series of public hearings held across the affected regions. Specific areas include Amory, Belzoni, Moss Point, and Silver City, which were among the hardest hit by the storms.
“With this approval, we are moving forward with a plan that best supports the areas most affected by the 2023 and 2024 storms that ravaged portions of Mississippi,” Reeves said. “The nearly $135 million in funding will help our friends and neighbors rebuild while strengthening their resilience for the future. Thank you to Secretary Turner and the Trump administration for approving Mississippi’s plan.”
Key allocations for the plan include $29.32 million for unmet recovery needs in owner-occupied housing, plus $19.55 million for affordable rental housing repairs. The funding will also include $38 million for infrastructure recovery through federal match programs. Also included is support for economic development, with $21.72 million allocated for economic revitalization, including small business support, and $17.6 million for mitigation projects, such as safe rooms and emergency alert systems.
The plan prioritizes assistance for low and moderate-income households, with 93% of housing funds designated for those populations. Programs will also support workforce housing development and community planning efforts.
“Disaster recovery is a core part of how we serve communities at HUD. As Mississippi continues to rebuild from major disasters over the past few years, HUD is pleased to approve its action plan,” HUD Secretary Scott Turner said. “Working alongside Governor Reeves and his staff, we will help to ensure Mississippi’s residents and communities have the support to recover.”
One last step remains in this process, and that is for HUD and the state of Mississippi to execute a grant agreement to begin committing funds. The grant agreement is expected to be completed within a 30-day window.
