WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), with Representative Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), today reported new federal support for tornado recovery work in Tupelo, with a $2.64 million grant award to restore public utilities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday informed the Mississippi lawmakers that it has approved a $2.64 million Public Assistance Program grant to Tupelo Water and Light Department for permanent restoration of its utility services damaged during an April 28 tornado.

“This grant award is welcome federal support to ensure that utilities are fully restored and operational.  This award should offset the need for Tupelo ratepayers to see their utility bills go up as a result of what was a nationally-significant disaster,” Cochran said.  “I appreciate all the hard work being done by the people of Tupelo to repair the damaged caused by that deadly storm.”

“Mississippians have done a great job of rebuilding and restoring the communities affected by the storms that ravaged our state in April,” Wicker said. “With continued support from federal and state agencies, I am confident that we will achieve a full recovery.”

“Following a natural disaster, restoration of utility services is an important first step in returning to normalcy,” Nunnelee said.  “I am pleased this grant will aid in continued tornado recovery efforts and provide for permanent restoration of damaged utility services.”

The overall cost associated with this project is $3.52 million, with the FEMA award covering 75 percent of its cost.  The funding for this project will be obligated to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for distribution on a reimbursable basis.

FEMA Public Assistant Program grants provide supplemental disaster assistance to state, local and tribal governments, and certain types of private, nonprofit organizations for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly-owned facilities.

FEMA Public Assistance Grants also support debris removal and emergency protective measures.  Using Disaster Relief Fund resources provided by Congress, FEMA awarded two grants in August and September worth a combined total of $3.34 million for debris removal in Tupelo.