Education 
 
The wind and water from Hurricane Katrina swept through coastal counties of Alabama, causing widespread power outages and leaving millions of cubic yards of debris.   
Many educational facilities were hard hit.  Statewide, two major college campuses received damages. In Mobile County alone, 100 of 110 elementary, middle and high school campuses received damage.  
 
Great amounts of sand, vegetative, construction and demolition debris covered the grounds of area educational facilities.  Salt water soaked many school electrical systems damaging air conditioners and computers. Power outages also led to large losses of perishable food. At the Alba Middle School in Bayou La Batre, storm surge dumped over one and a half feet of salt water into the school, destroying everything it touched. Rotted fish added to the mess. 
 
Assessments of damages started as quickly as possible across the impacted area. Bringing “ordinary life” to the students and families was a priority for FEMA, the state of Alabama and the entire educational community. 
 
Currently, FEMA has obligated $1.5 million to the State of Alabama for educational facilities. Alabama has disbursed approximately $650,000 to its applicants to assist in repair and debris disposal. These payments cover more than 200 projects.