A proposal awaiting federal review would direct $200 million to Hancock County for Hurricane Katrina recovery and rebuilding.

The Mississippi Development Authority says it submitted the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

MDA spokesman Lee Youngblood says the county’s needs from the 2005 storm are self-evident and officials are confident the plan for the Community Development Block Grant money will be approved.

The grant would set aside $160 million to help rebuild downtown areas, replace public facilities and make other public improvements. Another $15 million would go for economic development and $25 million for water, wastewater and storm water projects.