FEMA Program Plays Important Role In Long-Term Recovery
Release Date: April 27, 2009
Release Number: 1604-710
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
BILOXI, Miss. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Long Term Community Recovery program is helping communities throughout south Mississippi as the recovery process moves forward.
An important component of recovery from a disaster lies in careful planning as communities rebuild and welcome both returning and new residents, businesses and industry. Helping local leaders to accomplish their respective goals through this planning process is the essence of the LTCR program.
"The LTCR program is about helping communities identify projects they deem critical to long-term recovery and rebuilding, while re-establishing and even enhancing the quality of life for residents," said Bob Haywood, LTCR section chief for FEMA's Mississippi Transitional Recovery Office.
LTCR evolved from a response function following Hurricane Katrina when planners, architects, Geographic Information Systems specialists and others came in to work with local and state leaders in identifying the needs of the communities.
The lower six counties – Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone and George – needed immediate technical assistance. Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties wanted help with
long-term recovery rather than just critical facilities and infrastructure. LTCR assisted each of these counties in developing long-term recovery plans. Stone, Harrison and Hancock counties chose to adopt their plans.
LTCR helps communities learn how to attract business by identifying and utilizing financial tools, promoting events, marketing downtown districts and working closely with cities and contractors to encourage high-quality design and construction.
Communities such as Bay St. Louis and Waveland are developing their downtown areas through the Mississippi Main Street Program with the help of LTCR.
LTCR assists area business leaders to facilitate business council meetings, provides guidance on projects and helps local leaders update their comprehensive plans.
Communities are better able to develop permanent housing solutions with LTCR. By working with local governments, organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the state, LTCR staff members help local leaders develop funding proposals, implement programs such as the Housing Resource Center in Hancock County and develop creative affordable housing solutions such as designs for expanded Mississippi Cottages.
Aside from economic development and housing issues, LTCR also works with various governmental, civic and non-profit groups, including the Gulf Coast Heritage Trails Partnership, which are pursuing key recovery projects that are seen as catalysts for community and regional revitalization.
Successful recovery from Hurricane Katrina requires careful planning and coordination among all parties involved.
"Partnerships with local governments and organizations active in the recovery is really the key to the success of these projects," said MEMA Director Mike Womack. "Local governments, citizens, FEMA, MEMA and other state and federal agencies are working together to achieve one common goal – to rebuild the Mississippi coast bigger, better and more prepared for the next time a disaster occurs."
Visit www.fema.gov and www.msema.org to learn more about Mississippi's recovery efforts.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Apr-2009 02:31:39