Congressman Mike Ezell, along with other members of Mississippi’s Congressional Delegation, has sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urging approval of the City of Biloxi’s Second Appeal for additional funding. The appeal requests $111 million in extra project funds to cover remaining repairs to water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
The funding request is based on cost estimates developed by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), using FEMA’s Cost Estimating Factor formula for large and complex projects. MEMA formally supported Biloxi’s appeal on September 30, 2025.
“Biloxi has made remarkable progress rebuilding its critical infrastructure after one of the most devastating hurricanes in our nation’s history,” said Congressman Ezell. “But nearly 20 years later, FEMA still hasn’t fully met its obligation to the people of Biloxi. It’s past time to fix that. This appeal is about fairness, accountability, and ensuring our Gulf Coast communities get the support they were promised. Inflation and rising construction costs have only made this situation more urgent. FEMA needs to correct its mistake and fully fund these remaining repairs so Biloxi can finish the job once and for all.”
Earlier communications from FEMA acknowledged that important cost factors such as contingencies, inflation, contractor overhead, and permitting were not included in their original estimate for Biloxi’s repair project. As a result, Biloxi has experienced significant funding gaps while trying to complete necessary work.
The letter from Mississippi lawmakers asks FEMA to reconsider its position and approve the city’s Second Appeal so that final repairs can be completed.
Mike Ezell has represented Mississippi’s 4th District in Congress since 2023, succeeding Steven Palazzo. He was born in Pascagoula in 1959 and currently resides there. Ezell graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a BA in 1997.
The full text of the delegation’s letter can be found at: Click here to read the letter in its entirety.
