By Alabama Public Radio
Atmore, AL – Local, state and federal representatives were in Atmore Friday to survey storm damage and provide an update on recovery efforts. Hurricane Ivan struck Escambia County just as hard as the coast last week, but the area didn't get as much initial attention as the coastal communities. Residents had begun complaining that relief efforts were slow to come to their area. But today, HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson joined Atmore Mayor Howard Shell and Governor Bob Riley at a community meeting at First Baptist Church. Jackson says disaster assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be available. That includes 500 thousand dollars for debris removal. Jackson says the state will determine which areas need that money the most.