PUBLIC SAFETY 
 
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) came to the aid of hurricane-ravaged areas throughout Mississippi immediately following the storm.  The EMAC, an agreement between member states, provides emergency and protective services to a fellow member state affected by a disaster.  A total of 32 states responded by providing critical food and water, law enforcement personnel, utility restoration crews, logistical assistance and radio technicians. FEMA has obligated more than $61 million and Mississippi has disbursed more than $60 million to reimburse the EMAC. As of June 30, 2007, this work is complete.      
 
To help cover storm losses, Mississippi Public Safety will receive more than $13 million in FEMA funding to replace patrol cars. FEMA also has obligated more than $6 million towards the restoration of fire stations and related equipment. Mississippi Public Safety also plans to relocate several buildings with help from FEMA funding. 
 
While Katrina destroyed buildings, the salvageable records inside the buildings were soiled. FEMA has obligated funds to stabilize these documents using cold storage, which prevents further damage or mold growth. The files will then be copied to replace the soiled documents.  This includes chancery clerk records such as warranty deeds, deeds of trust, and releases of deeds of trust from throughout the Mississippi Coast. 
 
FEMA and MEMA are still working diligently to restore the public safety infrastructure.  The agencies are awaiting decisions from cities and counties regarding where buildings are going to be relocated. Other work has gone out to bid and will be completed by 2008-2009.  This includes the replacement of fire stations with improvements such as extra height for hook and ladder trucks and extra stalls.    
 
In addition to the over $61 million reimbursement for EMAC, FEMA has obligated (paid to the state) approximately $32 million more to help restore, rebuild and replace Mississippi public safety services since Katrina.  Of that $32 million, the state has disbursed approximately $13 million.