CONGRESSMAN BENNIE G. THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $2,688,078.95 AWARDED TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $2,688,078.95 to the State of Mississippi forSouthern Pine Electrical Power Association (SPEPA).

This award provides federal funding to the Southern Pine Electrical Power Association for damages to their power distribution systems because of FEMA-DR-4727-MS (Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes).  The damages sustained to the power distribution system include 229 poles, 108 transformers, 117 ground rods, 100,741 conductors, six (6) plate poles, 165 anchors, 66 arrestors, 1169 insulators, and 73 cut outs.

During the incident period, severe storms, wind, and tornadoes caused widespread and prolonged electrical power outages in 10 counties within the service area of the Southern Pine Electrical Power Association (SPEPA).  The counties affected were Copiah, Covington, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith. SPEPA, is one of the largest critical facilities that provides power service to more than 69,400-meter customers which include over 10,500 miles of energized line.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the State. It is the State’s responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-recipients receive these awards. Following the State's review process and upon receipt of appropriate documentation, they will provide funds to the sub-recipients on a reimbursable basis.