Disaster Recovery Centers In Anchorage & Palmer To Close 

Release Date: May 16, 2003
Release Number: 1461-07

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Anchorage, AK -- For Anchorage and Palmer residents who wish to meet with Recovery Specialists to ask about available assistance for damages resulting from the winter storm of March 6-14, the time for visiting the Disaster Recovery Centers is getting shorter. State and federal officials have announced that both DRCs will close at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22nd.

Through 6 p.m., May 22nd, residents of the Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough can get answers to questions and check on the status of their FEMA applications at either Disaster Recovery Center. The Anchorage Center is located at the Fire Prevention Building, 3630 East Tudor Road and the Mat-Su Center is at the Borough Administration Gymnasium, 350 East Dahlia in Palmer. The centers are open Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Even though the Centers are closing, help is still as close as a telephone call. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains a toll-free disaster phone line. To apply, call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA before June 25, 2003. Anyone with questions about FEMA programs or the status of their applications may call the same number for answers. Those who are hearing or speech-impaired can call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 to apply or to check on their applications. The telephone numbers are operational from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., ADT, seven days a week until further notice.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand in the Centers. They will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan from SBA may help each victim recover from the disaster damage and will provide one-on-one assistance in completing their loan application. Low-interest SBA loans are the primary source of funding for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes for damages not fully compensated by insurance.

Since the April 26th federal disaster declaration, 632 residents of Anchorage, the Mat-Su borough and the Kenai Peninsula Borough have registered for disaster assistance. The Disaster Recovery Centers, which opened May 7th, have provided assistance and information to more than 150 visitors.

Disaster assistance programs for individuals and households include housing assistance and other needs assistance for expenses not covered by insurance or other programs.

Last Modified: Friday, 16-May-2003 13:12:36