Disaster Recovery Center in Marion County to Close 

Disaster Assistance Still Readily Available

Release Date: February 15, 2006
Release Number: 1604-247

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina

BILOXI, Miss. -- The Disaster Recovery Center operating in Columbia in Marion County will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2006, due to reduced activity, federal and state officials announced today.

"The reduced level of activity at the Columbia center means we're moving forward in the recovery process," said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for disaster recovery. "It's important that disaster survivors know that even though this site is closing, the same assistance programs are still available to them through FEMA's toll-free number until March 11, 2006."

Individuals who suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Katrina are encouraged to visit the Columbia Disaster Recovery Center before close of business on Saturday, February 18, 2006. The center is located at:

Marion County
Town Square Shopping Center
932 Highway 13 South
Columbia
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until February 18, 2006

The Disaster Recovery Centers were established to provide detailed program information to those who have already applied for assistance. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies are on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to discuss disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.

Officials encourage all Hurricane Katrina victims to apply for assistance before the March 11, 2006, deadline by calling the FEMA toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for speech- or hearing-impaired, or visiting the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

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: Wednesday, 15-Feb-2006 15:05:26