County engineer Ryan Holmes recently updated the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors on the status of a state funding request for damage caused by storms in February and March.

Holmes said he has sent the preliminary paperwork and cost estimates to Andy Hood, Lincoln County’s Mississippi Emergency Management Agency area manager.

“David and I have got some more stuff to submit involving the courthouse roof leak, the library roof leak, the justice court roof leak and the jail leak,” Holmes said. “But so far, Andy is happy with everything he’s gotten.”

The paperwork Holmes submitted stated that the cost estimate for the damage was approximately $198,000 for labor and materials for all storm repairs.

“When we get approved, MEMA will send another person here to write the PW, and then we’ll actually calculate a really good cost for everything,” Holmes told the supervisors. “They’ll probably ask for time sheets for your men and all the details. That’s the next step in the process.”

Holmes said the county does not know when MEMA will get to Lincoln County’s request — it could take two weeks or up to a year.

Severe storms caused havoc throughout the area in February and March. Strong tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail caused damage to houses, businesses and schools.

In one storm, Wesson Attendance Center suffered tornado damage on the high school side of the facility. The school experienced significant water and roof damage at the old gym, high school gym and high school library.

That same day, multiple homes were destroyed in the Stronghope community and along Jackson-Liberty Road near the Copiah-Lincoln County line. Many homes and businesses suffered water damage.