Atlantic Organization for Security (AOS)

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Hurricane Katrina Recovery after Five Years

by · December 30, 2010

This year is almost over, and it’s been more than five years since Hurricane Katrina left widespread destruction along the Mississippi Coast but rebuilding and recovery will continue in 2011.

The state has rebuilt stronger with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The improvements can be seen in emergency operations centers where updated communication systems replace older models. New schools include state-of-the-art emergency shelters, and reconstructed public buildings and utilities are strengthened against high winds and flooding. With the help of federal and state funds, homeowners are elevating and fortifying their homes to protect them against severe storms. And unlike in 2005, more people today have flood insurance.ÿ

The recovery mission is ongoing but what is completed shows Mississippi will be more prepared for and less vulnerable to future storms than it was in 2005. Following is a summary of both FEMA individual and public assistance provided to Mississippi recovery efforts from Aug. 29, 2005 through Dec. 24, 2010:

Assisting Individuals and Families

  • FEMA has provided more than $1.3 billion to help families and individuals meet some of their basic needs following Katrina. More than 44,000 families received temporary housing assistance.
  • As of Dec. 24, 2010, 107 temporary housing units remained occupied in Mississippi ? more than 99 percent of the families who once occupied FEMA temporary housing units have moved into their repaired or rebuilt homes or into more permanent housing.
  • More than 126,000 families in Mississippi have received rental assistance funds.

2,830 Mississippi families moved from FEMA temporary housing to Mississippi Cottages and 396 cottages are currently occupied. The Mississippi Cottages were provided through the Mississippi Alternative Housing Program, which is administered by MEMA and funded by a $280 million federal grant. The temporary housing portion of the program ended Jan. 31 2009. However, 335 units are being converted for permanent use to residents who remain in need.

Rebuilding Mississippi Infrastructure

  • Nearly 900 state and local governments have applied for FEMA Public Assistance.(PA).
  • More than $3 billion in FEMA Public Assistance funds has been obligated to rebuild infrastructure in Mississippi.

Some of this grant money includes:

  • $680 million for the restoration of public buildings; 
  • $906 million for public utilities;
  • More than $188 million for public recreational facilities;
  • Almost $91 million for roads and bridges

To date, MEMA has disbursed more than $2.2 billion to Hurricane Katrina PA applicants for debris removal and rebuilding projects including bridges, public buildings and utilities.

Source DHS Release Number: 1604-750

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