Still no firm numbers for businesses destroyed by Katrina

Earlier this fall, the Mississippi Business Journal had this inquiry for information: How many Coast businesses were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, and how many have reopened in the 14 months since the storm?

That is information that is difficult to find even by calling a number of state, federal and local governmental agencies, and groups like local chambers of commerce.

"If you find out, will you let us know?" asked Claire Dugger, Harrison County Development Commission. "I don't really have any number on that. I would not be able to venture a guess when it comes to commercial and retail."

The SBA has had 10,969 business applications for disaster recovery loans, and thus far 4,633 have been approved for a total of $540,797,500. Some applications are still pending. But the SBA has no idea how many businesses were lost, or how many have recovered.

"We don't track the numbers of businesses destroyed," said a spokesman with the SBA. "The insurance commission does. Or maybe you could try the chamber of commerce national office."