Disaster Response

FEMA to get tough with next hurricane

The Gulf Coast will be widely and quickly evacuated this hurricane season, even if the storm doesn't threaten to smash levees and leave a metropolis under water, state and federal officials said Tuesday. [more] (03/28/06)

USCG Continues Vessel Removal in Louisiana

The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other stakeholders to identify and remove vessels grounded or sunk in waterways that present a threat to health, safety, or the environment. To date, approximately 2,300 such vessels have been identified and 929 have been removed... [more] (01/24/06)

Gulf Coast Gets $868M for Repair and Reconstruction Work

Gulf Coast states still rebuilding after last year's devastating hurricanes will share $868 million in federal funds aimed at fueling road and bridge projects, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced today. Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Florida will use the money to repair or rebuild federally supported highways and bridges damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Mineta... [more] (01/24/06)

USCG Continues Vessel Removal in Louisiana

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Press Release stating that it is continuing to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other stakeholders to identify and remove vessels grounded or sunk in waterways that present a threat to health, safety, or the environment. To date, approximately 2,300 such vessels have been identified and 929 have been removed. (01/23/06)

Slow Recovery for GoM Oil Industry

The Gulf of Mexico's offshore petroleum industry is far from recovering from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and at least one-sixth of the region's normal daily oil production will still be offline at the start of next storm season, the AP reported. Katrina and Rita destroyed 115 of the Gulf's 4,000 production platforms and damaged another 52, according to a report released last week by the Minerals... [more] (01/23/06)

Bill To Assist Coast Guard & Merchant Mariners In Wake Of Gulf Coast Hurricanes Approved By U.S. House

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously approved legislation to provide relief to members of the U.S. Coast Guard and merchant mariners as disaster recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast continue. [more] (12/14/05)