Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Rayville And Leesville 

Release Date: November 9, 2006
Release Number: 1668-004

» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- Two federal/state Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRC) will open today (Nov. 9) in Rayville and Leesville. The hours for Rayville are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., today through Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Rayville will open again on Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Leesville MDRC will operate Thursday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The centers will provide information and assistance to individuals, households and businesses who sustained damages due to heavy rains and flooding between October 16, and November 8, 2006. 

Before coming to the DRC, residents and business owners who were affected by the disaster are encouraged to apply by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For people who are speech or hearing-impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Telephone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. People may also apply online at www.fema.gov/assistance/.

Representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies will be present, including Customer Service Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations whose property was damaged. In addition, the SBA makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to qualified small businesses that have suffered economic injury as a result of the disaster.

WHERE:

Rayville Civic Center
827 Louisa St.
Rayville, LA (Richland Parish)

West LA Forestry Fairground
276 HM Stevens Blvd.
Leesville, LA (Vernon Parish)

FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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

Last Modified: Monday, 13-Nov-2006 20:18:11