By Rupert Howell
Over $2 million in assistance has been granted statewide to Mississippi homeowners affected during the December tornado and flooding that followed, according to FEMA media relations manager Bill Lehman who said Thursday the Recovery Center in Marks will close Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.
People missed by FEMA canvassing can apply in person at the center run jointly by MEMA and FEMA at the Marks Fire Department, 108 W. Main St. in Marks.
The center is open Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Wednesday while the center for Coahoma County has already been closed according to Lehman.
He noted the deadline for filing claims is Friday, March 4, approximately one month after the nearby center in Marks closes. Phone numbers and websites are listed below.
Lehman also emphasized that renters who lost personal property such as clothes or appliances during the declared disaster are also eligible for assistance.
The FEMA PR manager said although most of the residential damages were in Marshall County, Coahoma received approximately $240,000 in residential aid and Quitman received approximately $290,000.
In Panola County as of Wednesday there have been 29 registrations, 15 from Batesville, for Individual Assistance with FEMA according to Lehman who has yet to receive a dollar amount for approved housing assistance. Panola County residents became eligible January 22. Panola County Emergency Management Director Daniel Cole said earlier this week survivors with storm-related losses are encouraged to register for assistance before going to the disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362.
 Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, using a computer, or other mobile device.
Any survivor who needs reasonable accommodations when visiting the center should call the helpline at 800-621-3362.
Businesses, homeowners and renters can apply for disaster loans at www.SBA.gov/disaster or by calling SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339).