WASHINGTON – Plans to construct a new Emergency Operations Center to serve Hancock County can now move forward with the support of a $1.5 million federal grant, according to U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, who reported the grant award today.

Cochran and Wicker said the $1.5 million grant award has been given final approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  The application for the center, which will be located in Kiln and will cost an estimated $2.0 million, was submitted by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.  The grant award also cleared a review from the congressional appropriations committees.

“A new operations center will give community leaders and emergency response personnel a base from which to assist the public during and after disaster or emergency situations.  I am pleased this grant has been approved and that work on this project can begin,” said Cochran, the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. 

“Katrina taught us many things, including the importance of emergency preparedness,” Wicker said.  “These federal funds will ensure Hancock County officials are ready to respond effectively to future storms and other emergencies.”

The new 11,250-square-foot center will be developed and constructed in two phases.  It will meet FEMA 361 standards for shelters that can withstand hurricane and tornado-force winds.  The facility will accommodate 75 emergency command staff and other essential personnel.

The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grant for the Hancock County facility must be matched with $500,000 in nonfederal funding.  This 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.