Two Decades Post-Katrina: How a Mississippi Town Continues to Await Life-Changing FEMA Funding for Rebuilding

Biloxi’s Long Road to Recovery: Two Decades After Hurricane Katrina

Biloxi, Mississippi, marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. When the storm hit, it left a trail of destruction, not just in New Orleans but across Mississippi and Alabama.

Today, Biloxi is still feeling the effects. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich wants to strengthen the city’s pier but faces a funding battle with FEMA. The city estimates it needs $4 million for the project, but FEMA only offers $555,000. “That amount is just absurd,” Gilich said. “You can’t build anything with that.”

The most pressing issue remains upgrading the city’s sewage and stormwater systems. These upgrades are crucial to protect Biloxi from future storms. “We can’t move forward without firm funding,” Gilich explained. He notes FEMA still owes Biloxi $34 million from projects planned two decades ago. Without assurance of continued funding, starting these final phases feels risky.

Adding to Biloxi’s struggles, Gilich asserts that FEMA has denied funding requests twice, claiming the city hasn’t justified costs properly. Biloxi provided documentation showing their efforts, but it wasn’t enough for FEMA. This situation isn’t uncommon; there are 254 other post-Katrina projects still incomplete across Louisiana and Mississippi.

Complications have arisen, partly due to FEMA’s internal issues, including staff cuts and criticisms of its processes. A group of 181 current and former FEMA officials recently criticized recent changes, worrying they might undo progress made since Katrina.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem acknowledged challenges in FEMA’s handling of claims, stating in May, “We still have claims outstanding in FEMA from Hurricane Katrina.” She emphasized the need for integrity in disaster responses, pointing to unfair practices that have arisen in the past.

Gilich remains hopeful but wary. He’s made several trips to Washington, D.C., advocating for Biloxi and believes rebuilding could be complete in three years. “The end goal is vital,” he said. “It’s about creating a city that can withstand whatever mother nature throws at us.”

Despite these hurdles, FEMA claims to have provided over $6.6 billion in individual assistance and $17.1 billion for public projects related to recovery. Yet, the ongoing delays and frustrations reflect a system in need of reform.

The challenges faced by Biloxi highlight broader issues in disaster recovery. Communities are still grappling with the long-term aftermath of Katrina, sparking discussions about transparency and efficiency in the response process.

As Biloxi continues to navigate this complex landscape, its journey serves as a reminder of the lasting impacts of disaster and the importance of support for recovery efforts.

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Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mississippi, Hurricane