2026 Local Government Disaster Recovery Emergency Loan Program Winter Storm Fern
Deadline: April 30, 2027
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has launched the Local Government Disaster Recovery Emergency Loan Program (the Program) to assist eligible local governments impacted by Winter Storm Fern.
The program will be administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and will provide financial assistance to local governments impacted by the storm that struck the state January 23–27, 2026 (Winter Storm Fern).
The program has a $125 million loan pool that cities and counties can access to fund recovery efforts while awaiting reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This funding mechanism ensures that critical recovery work can begin immediately without placing additional strain on local budgets.
Funding is limited. Loan awards will be calculated on a pro rata basis using reported and documented disaster damages directly related to Winter Storm Fern. Loans will not exceed 75% of the eligible expenses incurred by the applicant.
Application Period:
- This program is not first-come, first-served
- All eligible applicants included under Winter Storm Fern declarations DR-4899 may apply
- The application period opens April 28, 2026, and closes April 30, 2027.
No loan may be issued after July 1, 2027
Loan recipients must establish a dedicated revenue source for repayment if FEMA declines to reimburse expenses. If reimbursement is approved, the loan must be repaid immediately. A fixed interest rate of 3% per annum will only apply if FEMA does not reimburse the expenses and a loan remains outstanding.
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