Governor Notified to Stand-by for Potential Saturday Arrival of Evacuees
FEMA notified receiving states to prepare for potential Saturday arrival of hurricane evacuees
(Salem, OR) – This morning Governor Ted Kulongoski received a call from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designating Oregon as a "receiving state" and asking for preparations to remain in place for the potential arrival of approximately 500 hurricane evacuees on Saturday, September 10, 2005.
"Oregon has stood by ready to help at any time our fellow citizens affected by this terrible tragedy with needed assistance," Governor Ted Kulongoski said. "Nearly 2000 Oregon National Guard troops will be on the ground in New Orleans by the weekend and we’re prepared here at home to do our part as needed."
FEMA continues to organize its relief activities in the gulf coast region and notified the Governor that as circumstances change, the need for evacuees to be relocated to Oregon could also change. Details about time of arrival, number of flights and where evacuees will be arriving from are forthcoming from FEMA, in the event that Oregon’s shelters are needed.
As more information is available, regional, state, local and community partners, including the media, will be notified.
In addition to these developments, at the request of Governor Kulongoski and following the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, the President yesterday declared a state of emergency in Oregon. The President’s declaration will make monies available to governmental and certain eligible private non-profits for their costs incurred in sheltering operations.
For the text of the Governor’s declaration and request to the President, go to: http://governor.oregon.gov, and click on hurricane relief.
Media Contacts:
Holly Armstrong, (503) 378-6169
Anna Richter Taylor, (503) 378-6496
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