NATCHEZ &045; While the City of Natchez doesn’t plan to establish, as Vidalia did, a central office to coordinate local storm response efforts, Mayor Phillip West said city officials are doing their utmost to address the needs they see.

&uot;I think people are, for the most part, together&uot; in working to address the needs of those affected by Hurricane Katrina, West said. As far as city government is concerned, he added, &uot;we worked all of last week trying to fill in gaps&uot; in relief.

He cited:

4Several meetings held with aldermen and department heads before and after the storm to coordinate the city’s response, such as mobilizing public works and waterworks crews to clear debris.

4The presence and participation of city officials at meetings with civil defense, relief agencies and emergency officials to coordinate relief efforts.

4The meeting of West, Ferriday Mayor Gene Allen and Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland Tuesday to discuss ways to expedite the Federal Emergency Management Agency getting disaster payments to individuals.

4The hiring of more than 20 workers to help process Red Cross vouchers to those displaced by the storm.

4Calls the mayor made to such agencies as the Department of Human Services to make sure those who needed disaster food stamps and other benefits will be able to get them.

4The city’s Planning Department functioning as a clearinghouse for listings of available rental properties for those displaced by the hurricane.

Actually getting those services to the Natchez area is now the responsibility of the agencies themselves, such as FEMA and DHS, West pointed out.

But he added the city will continue to help when it sees specific needs.

West said he’s proud of how all city department banded together and worked hard to clear storm debris, maintain order and help meet the needs of evacuees.

Such groups as the United Way, the Red Cross, Catholic Charities and local churches, as well as individuals, have also worked hard to help meet the need.

&uot;I’m very proud of what we’ve done,&uot; West said. &uot;Had it not been for the spirit of cooperation Š we couldn’t have done what we’ve done.&uot;