WASHINGTON – Federal funding totaling more than $47 million has been awarded to the cities of Biloxi and Bay St. Louis, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran announced today.  The grants, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are awarded for the repair of the cities’ potable water, water distribution, and sewer collection systems.  Funds will also be used to repair Bay St. Louis’ natural gas distribution system. 

“Repairing the Gulf Coast’s infrastructure is a vital part of the rebuilding efforts in South Mississippi,” Senator Wicker said.  “I’m pleased to see this funding has been released, and I look forward to working with FEMA to ensure they remain an active partner in our efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast.” 

“The regular release of federal funding is integral to Mississippi’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Katrina,” Senator Cochran said.  “Our Gulf Coast communities remain in need of assistance, and funding to rebuild infrastructure and rehabilitate public utilities will continue to be valuable.” 

Details on the awards are as follows:

BILOXI - $33,353,735

• $15,726,534 to repair the damaged water distribution and sewage collection systems in Area 14: Buena Vista East, one of the fourteen sections of the city where the systems sustained damage.
  
• $17,627,201 to repair the damaged water distribution and sewage collection systems in Area 6: Buena Vista West, one of the fourteen sections of the city where the systems sustained damage.

BAY ST. LOUIS - $14,024,614

• $3,356,343 in additional funding to repair the city’s potable water system.  This amount is in addition to $19,571,980 already obligated for this project.
  
• $6,880,055 in additional funding to repair the city’s sanitary sewer system.  This amount is in addition to $18,077,059 already obligated for this project.
  
• $3,788,216 in additional funding to repair the city’s natural gas system.  This is in addition to $6,746,506 already obligated for this project. 
   

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