Governor Directs Office of Emergency Management to Break Down Operation Welcome Oregon
(Salem, OR) – Today after discussions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Governor Ted Kulongoski announced confirmation that Oregon will not receive any flights from the Gulf Coast region and that Oregon’s shelters will not be needed in the immediate future as part of the national Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Statement by Governor Kulongoski on FEMA’s decision to cancel flights to Oregon:
“The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s notice that it will not be sending evacuees to Oregon brings a great deal of relief – and a little disappointment. After speaking with Governor Blanco of Louisiana yesterday, the relief is that the President has reorganized FEMA’s work on the ground in the Gulf States, and has stated his desire to have evacuees out of shelters within 30 days. This means that the federal government is gaining control of the situation and is developing a strategy to bring recovery to that area. The disappointment is simply that generous Oregonians have been so ready to be directly involved in helping the Gulf States evacuees.
“I want to thank the citizens of Oregon for their outpouring of help of all kinds – help and resources that we didn’t know we had. I also want to thank everyone who created a well-organized "rapid-response" to FEMA’s original request to care for 1000 evacuees. This effort was a public-private partnership with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
“Oregonians opened their arms and their hearts to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The work of the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations can’t be overstated, nor can the generosity of many individuals, business and civic organizations, and churches throughout Oregon. These partners provided valuable assistance in devising Oregon’s plan to house and care for the evacuees.
“Last, coordination among government entities – city, county, regional and state governments and school districts – was commendable. As soon as possible I will appoint a task force comprised of these groups to review what we did right – and how we can improve our response and operations in the future.
“Despite our not receiving evacuees, Oregon continues to participate in the relief effort through the generosity of many of our citizens and the contributions of the Oregon National Guard. The Oregon National Guard has more than 1800 troops on the ground in New Orleans bringing civil order and relief to that community. They represent us in an exemplary manner and we’re very proud of them.”
Media Contacts:
Holly Armstrong, (503) 378-6169
Anna Richter Taylor, (503) 378-6496
|
