Photo courtesy of MDOT
August 29th marked the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and the more than $5 billion appropriated to the state for storm recovery has made a significant impact in helping rebuild the state’s economy. MDA, tasked with administering the recovery package at the state level, has distributed the funds to assist with the following:
- MDA has disbursed more than $1.7 billion in homeowner grants to more than 22,000 Coast households; the program is scheduled to conclude by December with more than $2.2 billion awarded.
- More than $21 million in elevation grants has been disbursed and awarded to homeowners faced with having to elevate their reconstructed homes to higher federal flooding standards.
- The approval of the federal action plan has been finalized, and the disbursement of more than $700 million began for Public Housing, Small Rental and Long-Term Workforce Housing initiatives.
- $200 million was allocated for recovery projects in "Ground Zero," Hancock County.
- More than 100 locally generated community and economic development projects throughout the state have been awarded funding.
- $270 million has been allocated for community revitalization projects. More than $115 million has been awarded in economic development initiatives.
- Gerald Blessey, former Biloxi mayor and Harrison County representative in the Mississippi House of Representatives, has been named Mississippi Coast Housing Director. Blessey will work with non-profit agencies, governments, advocates and other organizations to expedite development and construction of affordable workforce housing and rental units along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
