The state has sent out 5,701 checks to Mississippi Gulf Coast homeowners who suffered damage from Hurricane Katrina, program supervisors said Thursday.

Mississippi Development Authority officials said $357 million has been paid to homeowners through the housing grant program.

Gov. Haley Barbour said in a statement that he was pleased with the progress of the program and urged homeowners who have received a closing notification, but have not closed yet, to contact the closing agent listed.

MDA executive director Leland Speed said the agency is continuing to streamline the grant process and put grant checks into the hands of Gulf Coast homeowners.

The housing grants are part of the $5 billion federal allocation to assist Mississippi homeowners whose property flooded during Katrina even though it was outside a federally designated flood zone. Awards given to homeowners — up to $150,000 — depend on the damage assessment.

The MDA has opened service centers at Singing River Mall in Gautier, Prime Outlets in Gulfport, and Hancock County Government Complex in Bay St. Louis.

On the Net:

Mississippi Development Authority, http://www.mississippi.org