Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi's 8/31/05 Hurricane Message

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Secretary Jackson and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all members of the HUD family suffering from the devastating affects of Hurricane Katrina.

President Bush signed a disaster declaration for affected areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. These declarations will allow federal agencies to coordinate all disaster relief efforts with state and local officials.

The Jackson, Mississippi field office will resume operations on Wednesday, August 31, 2005. FEMA and GSA are currently assessing the damage to the Hale Boggs Federal Building in New Orleans. The New Orleans field office will remain closed until we are assured that the facility is safe for our employees to return.

I have activated the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for the New Orleans field office. All of HUD's New Orleans operations have been transferred to our Fort Worth Regional office.

We are concerned about the safety and well being of all our employees. We are attempting to contact all New Orleans HUD employees. If you have heard from any member of the New Orleans HUD family, please call our toll-free number at
1-866-641-8102 to let us know they are safe. HUD personnel will be standing by to assist you and answer any disaster-related questions you may have from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. central time.

HUD is fully committed to supporting all affected families as they rebuild their lives. Secretary Jackson and I will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Important HUD Numbers

National Finance Center Implements Backup Plan to Ensure Timely Payments

The Agriculture Department's National Finance Center (NFC) completed its payroll processing for HUD and other federal employees Sunday before Hurricane Katrina hit. NFC moved the magnetic tapes containing its most recent payroll data to its alternate site in Philadelphia, PA.

While NFC does not anticipate problems, any HUD employee who does not receive a payroll deposit by September 1, 2005, or September 15, 2005, please call NFC at 1-866-641-8102.

NFC also expects to have its website up and running by September 1, 2005.

Additional updates will be posted here as they become available.