OCEAN SPRINGS & SOUTHAVEN PROJECTS
TO RECEIVE HAZARD MITIGATION FUNDS

Cochran:  Grants Will Fund Multi-Purpose Facility, Flood Mitigation Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran today commended actions taken by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give final approval to hazard mitigation projects in Ocean Springs and Southaven.

FEMA has given final approval to MEMA’s recommendation to assist the city of Ocean Springs construct a multipurpose shelter center.  The agencies have also signed off on the city of Southaven’s bid to embark on its Autumn Woods Drainage Improvements project.  Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding for both projects will be awarded on a 75 federal and 25 percent nonfederal cost-share ratio.
           
“I am pleased these applications have been vetted and approved for significant funding.  The hazard mitigation projects are designed to improve public safety in both Ocean Springs and Southaven,” Cochran said.  “I hope these grants will allow these projects to move forward in a timely manner so that these communities can benefit from them as soon as possible.”
           
With final FEMA approval, MEMA will provide just over $4.0 million toward the $5.4 million Ocean City Multi-Purpose Center 361 Upgrade project.  The proposed 27,000-square-foot building is designed to comply with FEMA 361 shelter standards to withstand tornado and hurricane forces.  The facility would be able to accommodate 2,000 people in a safe room, or shelter, for 36 hours.
           
The Southaven drainage project will receive $1.65 million in HMGP resources for a $2.2 million project to construct drainage improvements in the Autumn Woods subdivision.  The project, designed to reduce flooding in the area, would entail installation of, among other devices, a holding pond and piping to divert significant water flow around the subdivision.

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to states and local governments for long-term hazard mitigation activities designed to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters.

Cochran, the ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, also serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA.  MEMA receives funding from FEMA on a set percentage formula.

Links:

http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/

http://www.msema.org/

###