Long-Term Community Recovery Partnership to Aid Storm Affected Communities Meets in Montgomery

Alabama Department of Community Affairs Designated as Coordinating Agency for Long-Term Community Recovery

MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley has assembled a partnership of state agencies, local governments, private organizations and other interested groups to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to plan long-term recovery strategies for communities impacted by the devastating tornadoes and storms that struck Alabama in April.  Today, the strategic partners involved in the rebuilding of Alabama communities met in Montgomery to discuss long term planning and rebuilding.

On June 13, 2011, Governor Robert Bentley signed an Executive Order directing the Alabama Department of Community Affairs to be the coordinating agency for long-term community recovery. ADECA will work with the supporting state agencies and private partnerships to help affected citizens recover from the April tornados that destroyed many parts of the state.

“Recovery from the April tornadoes will take time but I am confident that our communities will be rebuilt stronger and better,” said Governor Robert Bentley. “Community recovery must be locally led and the partners involved are critical to seeing that this process is effective and efficient for the Alabamians affected by the storm.”

At today’s organizational meeting, six areas of community recovery needs were discussed.  Those areas include: recovery, housing, economic development, infrastructure, natural resources and conservation, health and social services, and community planning.

Federal partners involved in long-term recovery were introduced at today’s meeting and stakeholders present were able to meet with public and private organizations on the state and local level.  The meeting also provided a forum to begin developing effective long-term community planning and rebuilding that will be used to make recommendations to Governor Bentley.

“I am honored and humbled by the mission Gov. Bentley has assigned to our department,” said ADECA Director Jim Byard, Jr.  “Long-term recovery requires all elements of the community to come together, achieve a consensus on goals and develop an effective plan for implementation. In every community, public/private partnerships will be vital to a successful recovery process.”