Belle Chasse Disaster Recovery Center to Close Operations 

Release Date: July 28, 2006
Release Number: 1603-515

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at 8442 Highway 23 in Belle Chasse in Plaquemines Parish will close its doors at the end of business on Friday, August 4.

The DRC received more than 100,000 visits since its opening on September 14, 2005.

"This DRC has serviced thousands of people. It allowed communities that were affected by the disasters to discuss their disaster related needs and to obtain information about disaster assistance programs," said Jim Stark, Director of FEMA's Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "We are continuing to focus on the relief and recovery efforts that will bring residents back into long term housing."

Individuals with questions will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists at the Belle Chase DRC Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until August 4. Disaster victims in need of assistance after that date, may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-and hearing-impaired.

Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies, as well as customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Written materials about various state and federal programs are also available for individuals and business owners.

There are four DRCs remaining in the state at the following locations. Hours of operation at these locations are also Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

Plaquemines Parish (closes 8/4)
Belle Chasse Branch Library
8442 Highway 23
Belle Chasse, Louisiana 70037

St. Tammany Parish
North Shore Harbor Center
100 Harbor Center Blvd.
Slidell, Louisiana 70461

Jefferson Parish
15 West Bank Expressway
Westbank Shopping Center
Gretna, Louisiana 70053

Jefferson Parish
MA Green Shopping Center
7901 Airline Drive
Metairie, Louisiana 70003

Orleans Parish
New Orleans Public Library
219 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

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: Monday, 31-Jul-2006 07:07:36