About $18 million in federal funds will go for post-hurricane projects in Mississippi that include road repair, school reconstruction and debris removal.

Sens. Thad Cochran and Trent Lott, both R-Miss., said the funds would go to three coastal counties, and two coastal municipalities for expenses incurred following Hurricane Katrina. The funding also covers reimbursement funds for Mississippi Emergency Management Agency-directed emergency protective measures, the senators said.

“These are counties and cities on the front line of Katrina’s onslaught, and which are still working hard to recover,” Lott said in a statement. “This funding will certainly help continue our recovery and renewal process, and our state’s Congressional delegation will continue working vigorously to ensure Mississippians get the federal support we need to complete our state’s revival.”

Cochran said “debris removal and infrastructure repairs have been expensive but essential as we continue to make progress in the rebirth of a vibrant and strong Gulf Coast region.”

Federal shares of the funds, to be administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, include:

— $1.5 million for debris removal in Harrison County, covering costs incurred July 1, 2006 through February 28, 2007.

— $1.2 million for Stone County, funds various road repairs.

— $6.4 million for Hancock County, funds various road repairs.

— $1.4 million for Pearl River County, funds various road repairs.

— $2.6 million for Pascagoula road repair, primarily along Ingalls Avenue.

— $1.7 million for Bay St. Louis, repair costs for five Bay St. Louis schools.

— $3 million to cover costs associated with MEMA’s emergency protective measures, including equipment acquisition and logistics support.