Highlights: 

• Hurricane Katrina and associated severe storms have resulted in wind damage, heavy rainfall and flooding in the South.
• The FDIC is encouraging banks to work constructively with borrowers who, because of the natural disaster, are experiencing difficulties beyond their control.
• Extending repayment terms, restructuring existing loans or easing terms for new loans, if done in a manner consistent with sound banking practices, can contribute to the health of the community and serve the long-term interests of the lending institution.
• The FDIC will also consider regulatory relief from certain filing and publishing requirements.

Distribution: 
FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings) in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee 

Suggested Routing: 
Chief Executive Officer 
Compliance Officer 
Chief Lending Officer 

Assistant Regional Director Cheryl Couch at ccouch@fdic.gov or (972) 761-2070 (Louisiana) 

Assistant Regional Director Patricia Lenfert at plenfert@fdic.gov or (901) 821-5203 (Mississippi and Tennessee) 

Note: 
FDIC Financial Institution Letters (FILs) may be accessed from the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov/news/financial-institution-letters/2005/index.html . 

To receive FILs electronically, please visit http://www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/fil.html . 

Paper copies of FDIC FILs may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (1-877-275-3342 or (703) 562-2200).