FEMA Approves $22 Million for Mississippi Homeowners’ Storm Mitigation

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a $22 million grant program to strengthen homes on the Mississippi Coast against destructive winds, according to U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker.

Homeowners will provide 25 percent of the cost for the retrofits, according to a joint statement by the Republican senators.

Projects to strengthen roofing systems and protect openings, such as doors and windows, are eligible.

Initially, the grant will be offered to homeowners only in Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties, but will be expanded to Pearl River, Stone and George counties if funds are available.

Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and goes through November.

The grant was originally requested by the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration.