8 September 2005

Governor: Kansas ready for evacuees on Monday
Wichita will receive up to 500 Katrina evacuees

One day after urging Kansans to be prepared for an emergency, Governor Kathleen Sebelius says the state is prepared for up to 500 evacuees from Hurricane Katrina that are due to arrive on Monday, September 12.

“Since the unprecedented flooding and devastation in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama began, Kansans across our state have answered the nationwide call for compassion. We have provided clothes, food, and places to stay for our neighbors in the Gulf Coast states and will continue to provide them with necessities and services,” Governor Sebelius said.

“Several flights are scheduled to arrive in Wichita at Mid-Continent Airport beginning Monday as a result of requests from emergency relief organizations to help relieve overcrowding in New Orleans. Wichita is prepared to shelter the evacuees at Century II,” Governor Sebelius said. “Kansas is also prepared to accept flights from other states that may be diverted due to inclement weather or other reasons.”

Several other locations around the state are prepared for evacuees, including Shawnee County, Saline County, Johnson County, Wyandotte County, and Finney County.

“This is another example of the charity and compassion the people of Kansas have to offer America in a time of crisis,” said Governor Sebelius. “As Governor, I am exceedingly proud and profoundly grateful for the generosity and spirit of community on display in our state following Hurricane Katrina.”

On Tuesday, Governor Sebelius signed a letter to the White House requesting federal assistance. This is the result of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Governor of Texas’ requests to Kansas to assist in the relocation of evacuees from those states impacted by Hurricane Katrina to Kansas. Planning for this relocation effort has been on-going since Sept. 1.

Last week, Governor Sebelius ordered members of the Kansas National Guard to participate in relief and recovery operations in the flood-ravaged Gulf Coast states. As of today, there are 230 Kansas guardsmen and women deployed in the area.

American Red Cross is also asking for donations of blood to address the critical need arising from last week’s devastating hurricane. Governor Sebelius has organized a blood drive for state employees. The Governor’s Blood Drive, conducted by the Community Blood Center, will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9, in the first floor rotunda of the Kansas Capitol building. Governor Sebelius gave blood earlier this afternoon.