FEMA deadlines pushed back again

Federal Emergency Management Agency deadlines for assistance have been extended in the wake of hurricanes Gustav and Ike, and two local Disaster Recovery Centers are closing this week.

 Dasha Castillo, spokeswoman for FEMA, said state deadlines to register for assistance for Hurricane Gustav have been extended to Dec. 3 and Dec. 11 for Hurricane Ike-related assistance.

The Small Business Association has followed suit with FEMA deadline extensions, and applicants for low-interest loans from SBA will have more time.

“We are really encouraging people to turn in their applications,” said Cynthia Cowell, communication specialist with SBA.

“The SBA application is a stepping stone in the process, and people may think they don’t want to fill one out because they don’t want loans. But, if the SBA denies your application for a loan, it is sent back to FEMA for grant reconsideration.”

Cowell said the Disaster Recovery Center in Franklin will close Saturday and will be converted to a strictly SBA application center.

Cowell said the mobile Disaster Recovery Center in New Iberia, currently stationed at Iberia Parish Fire Protection District One on Avery Island Road, closes Friday.

After Saturday, the closest Disaster Recovery Center will be in Erath, located in the American Legion Hall at 706 Prairie St. Applications can also be submitted on FEMA’s Web site or by calling (800) 621-FEMA.