WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced the approval of more than $3.18 million for three hazard mitigation projects in Mississippi, including more than $1.0 million to continue wind retrofit work on three Biloxi fire stations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved requests from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for three projects.

In addition to the Biloxi fire station project, FEMA has approved a $1.16 million grant for a Hancock County generator project and another $1.0 million grant to compensate the state for its ALERT FM Statewide Warning System.

“I am pleased this hazard mitigation funding is going to Mississippi to continue preparing the state to handle emergency and disaster situations.  These projects are designed to allow first responders and Mississippians to be better prepared for crises,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations panel that provides funding for FEMA.    

“As we continue to build back stronger from Hurricane Katrina, we need to ensure that Mississippi is well prepared for any future natural or man-made disasters,” said Wicker. “I am glad this funding is heading to Mississippi to help improve our emergency response efforts.”

The Lee Chinn, Bay Vista and Popp’s Ferry fire stations in Biloxi are undergoing wind retrofit projects that would move toward completion with this FEMA funding.  The retrofit work involves installing metal roofs attached with hurricane fasteners, in addition to mounting door and window panels designed to withstand 155+ mph winds.  FEMA is providing 95 percent of the total costs of this project or $1,072,034, leaving $52,602 to be provided in nonfederal funding.

FEMA is providing 100 percent of the grant for the Hancock County generator project, $1,165,320.  This project involves the purchase of nine trailer-mounted generators and connectors and transfer switches for 85 lift stations and water well sites throughout Hancock County.  The generators are intended to provide backup power to service unincorporated areas of Hancock County, the Hancock Water and Sewer District, and the cities of Waveland and Bay St. Louis.

FEMA has released $1.0 million to reimburse MEMA for implementing the Mississippi ALERT FM Statewide Warning System.  MEMA announced in April that it had finished expanding its alert system to include an FM radio-based emergency notification system to send targeted information to county emergency managers, schools or citizens.  More than 80 FM radio stations throughout the state are linked to the state’s ALERT FM system.

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