WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran, and Representative Alan Nunnelee, all R-Miss., today reported that more than $3.90 million in federal funding is being made available to recoup the cost of tornado damage debris removal in Louisville and Winston County.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed the Mississippi lawmakers that two FEMA Disaster Recovery Fund grants have been approved to continue to offset recovery costs associated with the fatal tornado that hit Louisville and Winston County in late April.  The federal disaster agency is providing $2.16 million in federal funding for debris removal costs in Louisville and $1.73 million for the same work in Winston County.

“These grants will help facilitate an important part of the recovery effort in Louisville and Winston County,” said Wicker.  “Clearing debris moves Mississippi families one step closer to getting their lives back to normal.  FEMA has done a commendable job in equipping communities with the resources they need to make a difference in people’s lives.”

“Debris removal is a necessary part of any disaster recovery process, particularly when the damage is as severe as that experienced by the citizens of Louisville and Winston County,” said Cochran, who serves on the Senate appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA.  “I’m pleased that these grants have been approved, and I will continue working to ensure that FEMA and other federal agencies are responsive to our ongoing recovery needs.”

“Following the devastating tornado that hit Winston County last April, I saw firsthand the massive amount of debris that was left in its path,” said Nunnelee.  “Debris removal is costly and often one of the most visible steps in returning back to normal life. I am glad this grant will help Mississippi residents as they continue to rebuild.”

Both public assistance grants will cover 81 percent of the costs associated with the total project cost for both Louisville ($2.17 million) and Winston County ($2.70 million).  The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will cover the remaining 19 percent of the cost, pursuant to a law approved during a special session of the legislature following the storm.

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