Community Storefront To Open In Allen Parish 

Release Date: January 14, 2006
Release Number: 1603-278

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OBERLIN, La. - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) are asking residents, businesses, and organizations to attend the Allen Parish Storefront grand opening to provide input on ways to rebuild their community.

The storefront will house the Allen Parish Long-Term Community Recovery Team, a cooperative effort between FEMA and the LRA. "The storefront is our chance to ask questions, discover what resources are available, and help shape the long term recovery of our own community," said Allen Parish President Andrew Hayes.

The storefront located at 130 W. 6th Avenue, Oberlin, La., opened at 10 a.m. today. A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The storefront will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is staffed by a group of highly qualified recovery specialists with expertise in areas such as engineering, architecture, planning, economic development and housing.

"This storefront is one of the outreach offices we are establishing in severely impacted parishes," said Brad Gair, FEMA's Long Term Community Recovery Director. "Input from residents and local leadership of the parish is what drives the long-term recovery. We'll work along with them, the LRA and other state and federal agencies to develop a set of essential recovery tools that will enable the community to define and plan their recovery."

The Long-Term Community Recovery Team will use a variety of methods, including storefront surveys, to collect public input and assess the needs of each community in order to develop a long-term recovery plan for Allen Parish.

The Louisiana Recovery Authority is the planning and coordinating body that will assist in implementing the Governor's vision for the recovery of Louisiana. The authority will identify and prioritize the short- and long-term needs of the recovery. The authority will seek out and value local input as it plans and implements the recovery.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.

Last Modified: Monday, 16-Jan-2006 13:21:10