MIAMI, Fla. — Emergency grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation totaling $1 million will help the residents of Biloxi and Harrison County, Miss., in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The grants – $500,000 to the American Red Cross and $500,000 to the Salvation Army – were announced today by Alberto Ibargüen, Knight Foundation president and CEO.

“These grants are part of our commitment to helping these communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation,” said Ibargüen.  “As soon as we can gather and consult with the local Knight Community Advisory Committee, we will look for other ways to help the community address long-term rebuilding issues.”

The foundation’s seven-member Biloxi Community Advisory Committee is chaired by Ricky R. Mathews, president and publisher of the Sun Herald.  

The devastating category four storm struck the Gulf Coast Monday with winds of 145 m.p.h. and a storm surge in Biloxi of 30 feet.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of Biloxi and 25 other U.S. communities.

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Photo caption: Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen and Biloxi Sun-Herald Publisher Ricky R. Mathews survey damage along the Mississippi Gulf Coast shortly after Hurricane Katrina’s devastating visit.