Last Katrina Evacuees Residing in Alabama State Parks Say Goodbye 

Residents Finding Permanent Housing; Departure Marks Latest Step in Hurricane Recovery

Release Date: June 6, 2006
Release Number: 1605-212

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The final federal trailer departed from Oak Mountain State Park, ending a nearly nine-month cooperative effort between the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Alabama. Alabama's state park system represented an important part of FEMA's emergency interim housing for many evacuees made homeless by Hurricane Katrina. Residents were able to move on as more permanent housing has become available. The number of travel trailers housed in Alabama state parks peaked at 600 on October 4, 2005.

"The parks served us well in the aftermath of the hurricane," said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Bolch. "Now displaced residents have been able to find housing closer to their jobs or schools."

This is the most recent step in a continued effort by FEMA to assist hurricane evacuees. The agency has caseworkers visiting all evacuees in temporary housing to help them develop an individual permanent housing solution. For some this may mean living in a travel trailer while repairing a damaged house, and for others it may mean a fresh start in a new home. This casework is another way FEMA is helping evacuees beyond financial assistance.

FEMA has provided more than $5.8 billion in aid for housing and personal property losses due to Hurricane Katrina, with $125 million going to Alabama residents. At peak numbers, nearly 2500 travel trailers were occupied across the state. That number is now below 1400. In addition, FEMA has provided nearly $100 million to the state and local governments for repairs to public infrastructure and emergency work such as sheltering and debris removal.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 06-Jun-2006 14:49:14