More than $1.8 million in Federal Emergency Management Administration grant money has been awarded to help pay for disaster related needs in 10 Southern Missouri counties. According to a press release the grants do not have to be repaid if the money is spent properly. Residents of Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Texas counties are eligible to apply for FEMA grants. The first step is registration. Assistance is available by applying online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA.