Hurricane Katrina left Gulf Coast roads in shambles making truck transportation in the area dificult. TCA has learned of the following road closures:

Louisiana

• All roads into and out of the New Orleans area closed. All roads in Jefferson Parish are closed until further notice. Large portions of Interstate 10, including the Twinspan Bridges, which were destroyed by the storm and flooding, have also been closed.
• U.S. 61 at Kenner;
• Belle Chasse Tunnel on Louisiana Route 23;
• U.S. 90 at Chief Menteur highway, and at the Lafourche/St. Charles Parish line;
• U.S. 61 at the St. Charles Parish line;
• Westbank Expressway 90B;
• Louisiana Route 3127;
• Bourg Larous Highway;
• Louisiana Route 1 from state Route 943 to state Route 18, and from state Route 943 to state Route 18;
• Louisiana Route 308 at the Valentine Bridge;
• Louisiana Route 308 from Louisiana Route 1247;
• Highway 11 at Little Irish Bayou, and south of Slidell;
• Louisiana Route 416 between Louisiana Route 415 and Louisiana Route 983
• Louisiana Route 59 at Louisiana Route 1088

Because south Louisiana interstates are heavily congested, officials are advising alternate routes of travel when exiting New Orleans are as follows:

• Louisiana Route 3127 to Louisiana Route 70 to Louisiana Route 1 North
• U.S. 90 West to I-49 North
• U.S. 61 North
• I-10 East to I-59 North
• Causeway to I-12 West to I-55 North
• I-10 West to I-55 North

Mississippi
Officials with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety were advising all traffic to avoid travel south of Interstate 20 in the state, except for emergency vehicles. Conditions in the area are expected to continue to deteriorate.

Alabama
Road conditions in Alabama are beginning to show improvement. Sections of Interstate 10 that were previously closed have begun to open up, under strong advisories to avoid the area if possible. However, storm-related road problems – including flooding and downed power lines – continue to close roads in southwestern Alabama near Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

For an up-to-date list of closings in specific areas, visit the following states' websites for more information:
Louisiana:   http://www.lsp.org/roadandincident.nsf/$ViewAll?OpenView
Mississippi:   http://www.gomdot.com/
Alabama:   http://www.dot.state.al.us/closures/
Florida:   http://www.floridadisaster.org/

A declaration of emergency has been issued for carriers and drivers transporting gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel in response to the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the fuel supply system.

Doug Sawin, field administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Midwest Service Center, issued a Declaration of Regional Emergency today. To prevent disruptions in the nation's transportation system and to move existing stocks of gas, diesel fuel and jet fuel that are normally supplied by Gulf Coast refineries hit by Hurricane Katrina.

Carriers and drivers hauling gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel to address transportation needs arising from the disaster are exempt from 49 CFR Parts 390-399 from 1:00 pm EDT August 31, 2005 until 1:00 pm EDT September 14, 2005. The declaration does not exempt drivers from drug and alcohol testing requirements, commercial driver's license requirements or insurance requirements. It also does not apply to any carrier or driver that has been placed out of service.

The regional emergency includes Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. A declaration of emergency, similar to this one has been issued by all of the FMCSA Field Administrators and will cover all 50 states.

Drivers operating under this declaration of emergency must have a copy of the FMCSA memo in their possession - click here for this memo.

Aug 30 - EPA Administrator Steven L. Johnson has determined that the impact of Hurricane Katrina created an "extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstance" in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. The situation will prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of fuel to consumers that is compliant with the Clean Air Act. This is "a natural disaster, that could not reasonably have been foreseen or prevented and not attributable to a lack of prudent planning on the part of the suppliers of the fuel to these affected States," according to a fuel waiver granted to the states by the EPA today.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA will temporarily allow all parties in the fuel distribution system, including refiners, importers, distributors, carriers and retail outlets (regulated parties) to supply gasoline meeting a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standard of 9.0 psi in areas of the affected states where a lower RVP is required.

Further, because of the expected shortage of motor vehicle diesel fuel meeting the 500 parts per million (ppm) sulfur standard, EPA will temporarily allow regulated parties to supply motor vehicle diesel fuel to affected states having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm.

This waiver is effective immediately and will continue through the remainder of the high-ozone period, through Sept. 15, 2005. However, retail outlets or wholesale purchaser-consumers that receive motor vehicle diesel fuel having a sulfur content greater than 500 ppm, under the terms of this waiver may continue selling or dispensing this fuel after Sept. 15, 2005, until their supplies are depleted.

Please call the Highway ISAC at 1-877-USA-SAFE. If you have any further information or questions concerning this incident.

President George W. Bush declared major disasters for impacted areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is actively managing federal assistance to these affected communities in an effort to expedite response efforts and save lives. The full resources of the federal government to bear in helping the residents in the impacted states with emergency needs and recovery support. Individuals in declared counties can register for disaster assistance with FEMA, here's how:

• Register online on the FEMA Web site, www.fema.gov
• Register via telephone toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Register using TTY 800-462-7585

Voluntary organizations are seeking cash donations to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Gulf Coast states. Volunteers should not report directly to the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency. Self-dispatched volunteers can put themselves and others in harm’s way and hamper rescue efforts. Click here for a list of agencies seeking donations and your help, this list has been provided by FEMA.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced on August 31 that it had dispatched a team of 66 transportation experts to support state and local officials in the damage assessment of highways, railroads, airports, transit systems, ports, and pipelines. DOT is also supporting detour planning and critical transportation system repairs.

There are a number of key highways and important road bridges that have sustained significant damage, including the I-10 bridges between New Orleans and Slidell, La. I-10 is closed throughout much of Louisiana and all of Mississippi, while it is limited to one lane in each direction and around Mobile due to pump failure in one of the tunnels in Mobile. Other major highways, such as US 90, 98, and 49 in the affected areas are closed. I-59 is closed starting 20 miles south of Meridian to points further south.

The attached proclamation from Missouri has been sent around by IFTA to the state and provincial fuel tax administrators (it is expected to also go out to the state and provincial vehicle registration agencies as well). It allows trucks involved in relief efforts to pass through Missouri without proper IRP and IFTA credentials, and simplifies Missouri’s permit requirements for such vehicles if they are oversize or overweight. This is a useful sample that all state governors may wish to consider. If you have any questions, contact Bob Pitcher at 703-838-7939 or bpitcher@trucking.org.

Click here to view the proclamation.

This press release (shown below) updates the condition of the river, it's open in one direction AT A TIME, not merely in one direction as previously stated (in earlier press release). More updates will be sent via e-mail as they are available.
Chris Bonura

------------
Port of New Orleans Press Release
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Contacts:
Gary LaGrange: 504-528-3212 or 409-284-4781
Chris Bonura: 504-606-5807 or verenabenker@gmx.de

Port of New Orleans Damaged But Still Workable

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi River is now officially open to ships with a draft of 35 feet during daylight hours. The river is open to one direction at a time.

Now that a route has been re-established to the Port of New Orleans and other ports on the lower Mississippi River, the port is bringing together all of the pieces that will allow it to be a major force in the reconstruction of New Orleans.

"The Port of New Orleans' riverfront terminals survived Hurricane Katrina in fairly decent shape," said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. "Although they are damaged, they are still workable once electrical power and manpower is available."

"In the next several weeks, almost all of the Port of New Orleans will be dedicated to military relief vessels. In the next week to two weeks, commercial vessels will return once electrical power and manpower arrive," LaGrange said

He added that many repairs will be needed though to bring the Port back to full capacity. Cargo containers have been tossed around at the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal and the Nashville Avenue Complex and remain strewn about.

Two gantry cranes at the Napoleon and Nashville Avenue Complexes are expected to have damage to electronic components. The other two gantry cranes at Napoleon/Nashville are expected to work once they have electric power. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) is working to supply the cranes with power through huge generators.

As of 4 p.m. Sunday, about 15 ships passed by the Port of New Orleans on their way to upriver ports such as the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of Baton Rouge. All three river pilot groups on the lower Mississippi River recommend opening the river to two-way traffic.

The Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet (MRGO), an alternate route for the Mississippi River, is open to 9 feet of draft. It could be opened to 27 feet of draft once debris is removed from the channel. The conditions of the terminals along the MRGO and the Industrial Canal are unknown except that they have no electrical power and they are severely flooded.

Re-establishing a Headquarters
Three senior staff members of the Port of New Orleans have established a headquarters at the Port's Administrative Office Building, and other members of the senior staff are working from the remote locations they evacuated to.

Port CEO LaGrange, Executive Assistant for Port Operations Ted Knight and Operations Manager Paul Zimmermann have been on the scene in an attempt to continue port operations under some very adverse circumstances. The three senior staff members based in New Orleans have been in constant contact with MARAD and two of the Port's terminal operators -- P&O Ports and Ceres Gulf Inc. -- to commence cargo operations for humanitarian aid and commercial cargo by the end of the week.

A portion of the Port Headquarters building systems is running on emergency generator power. The Port is housing the Louisiana State Police SWAT team's operations center on its first floor.

Supplying Labor and Power
P&O Ports and Ceres Gulf Inc have mobilized work crews in Texas. At the request of the Port of New Orleans, these work crews are available to load and unload ships at the Port of New Orleans pending the arrival of vessels. They could be at the terminal within two or three days.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration is following up on a request by the Port of New Orleans for help. They are providing several ships with the capacity to temporarily house 1,000 people who will operate the port.

Those 1,000 people will be either essential Port of New Orleans employees or crews working ships at the Port of New Orleans. Some of the ships will be outfitted with generators needed to supply the power needed for port operations.

"We are thankful to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and his staff for helping to get us what we need to get our port up and running as soon as possible," said LaGrange.

Helping Employees
Port Chief Operating Officer Dave Wagner has established temporary administrative offices in Atlanta with the help of the Port's Board Chairman John Kallenborn of Chase Morgan. They have established ways for staff payroll to be distributed as usual.

Some staff members have been notified by the Port's Emergency Hotline to make contact with the Port for payroll information and to establish communications. Because of the quick approach of Katrina, many staff members may not have the emergency hotline. The Port of New Orleans is asking the media to publish the number, 1-866-476-7866, so that we can re-establish communications with our employees in order to aid our return to full operations.

Numerous staff members lost homes and incurred damages. The Port will address immediate needs of the staff through a temporary account opened in Atlanta. The Port should have the ability to wire money to employees who need it on Tuesday, with those amounts deducted from future paychecks.

Some port senior staff should start arriving this week as needed, followed by a phased in arrival of other staff as needed. Those key staff members choosing not to return for serious and legitimate reasons can continue to work from their remote locations with the permission of the CEO.

Facing Challenges
Although the Port is making tremendous progress in getting back on its feet, it continues to face many challenges, including fires.

Mandeville, Piety and possibly Esplanade Street Wharves have been damaged by fire. The fire started off port property at a produce warehouse when propane tanks exploded. The fire was battled from the river by the General Roy Kelley, the Port's fireboat; Crescent River Tugboats; and two vessels owned by the Port of South Louisiana, the John James Charles and the Accardo.

"Propane exploding in the air like bombs touched off fires as far as a half-mile away," LaGrange said.

The only way to fight the fire was to use firefighting vessels. Fire trucks responded to the emergency, but didn't have ability to pump water.

Just after midnight early Sunday morning, the fire at the Mandeville Street Wharf started to emerge again. The team of fireboats and tugs were once again able to bring the fire under control, preventing the fire from spreading from the wharves into the French Quarter. However, the crews of the boats are extremely taxed because they have been working around the clock.

The Harbor Police, the Port of New Orleans' police force, is working with about 15 officers who are very fatigued. A Harbor Police vehicle was struck by a hit-and-run driver and a Harbor Policeman had to be treated at a hospital.

Seeking Help and a Competitive Edge
From Texas, Pat Gallwey, the Port's Executive Assistant for Administration, is coordinating the needs of the Port with Congressional leaders, FEMA and other federal agencies.

Port customers will be contacted by the Port of New Orleans' New York office and by Marketing Manager Bobby Landry once he returns to New Orleans early this week. The port will express its desire to partner with our customers during this difficult time to ask them for their support in helping to rebuild the Port.

At 10 a.m. Monday, there will be a meeting in the Port Administration Building by the three pilot groups on the Lower Mississippi River, Port staff and any member of the maritime community to discuss rebuilding the port and making it more cost effective for customers.

"We must find ways to get out the word that we have port infrastructure in place, but we will become bigger, better and more competitive than ever," LaGrange said.

The ATA Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort team is working with the Mississippi Emergency Management Administration (MEMA) in Jackson, MS, to determine trucking needs for MEMA's current relief effort. The following information is being issued in an effort to update and coordinate the trucking industry's volunteer process.

For at least this week, twenty (20) dry vans are needed daily to deliver pre-sorted relief supplies from Jackson, MS to damaged coastal areas. MEMA is operating the truck deliveries from a 17-door staging/area warehouse. Destination sites are manned with unloading crews and/or fork lifts.

Carriers wishing to participate in the Jackson-based relief supplies in-state delivery system should contact MEMA Volunteer Coordinator Blake Wilson via telephone: 1-800-748-7626 (MS Chamber of Commerce HQ) or 601-940-2877 (cell).

Carriers or organizations with relief supplies to be delivered to Mississippi should contact the Mississippi volunteer hotline, 1-866-230-8903, to exchange information and to receive instructions. As a back-up, trucking related operations should also contact Blake Wilson at above numbers.

In addition to the MEMA set-up, the Jackson-based Mississippi Trucking Association is in operation and aiding relief efforts. Carriers and organizations can contact Steve Boudreax at 601-354-0616 (office) to coordinate assistance. Steve is an excellent source for local and state trucking information, local aid contacts, and, for carriers or volunteer groups with partial loads–can direct them to smaller locales where the aid is needed.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) continues to deliver pre-sorted relief supplies from Jackson, MS to damaged coastal areas from a 17-door staging area/warehouse. Destination sites are manned with unloading crews and/or fork lifts.

As electrical power and telephone service has been restored, carriers wishing to participate in the Jackson-based relief supplies delivery system should now contact Steve Boudreaux at the Mississippi Trucking Association, 601-354-0616 (from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT) or the distribution warehouse, 601-969-6155, after hours.

Donors only of goods or trucking-related services may also continue to contact the Governor's emergency hotline, 1-866-230-8903, to exchange information and to receive instructions.

Contractors and vendors should deal directly with MEMA, 601-352-9100–although information may be sparse at this time.

There are three donated goods warehouse distribution centers now open. They still need bottled water, baby food, MRE (Meals Ready to Eat), individually wrapped snacks, diapers, etc. No used clothes or shoes, preferably non-perishable commodities. Only a few centers are accepting non-perishable commodities. All goods should be palletized, need manifest of load, and call in advance so they can make sure they have volunteers to unload the goods. Trucks should have a final destination, contact person and contact number before they enter the state.

There are three donated goods warehouse distribution centers: Alexandria, New Iberia, Baker and Hammond in Louisiana. Call VOAD at 225-922-0772 and they will tell you the best warehouse for delivery depending on the goods you are transporting. Or call Louisiana Motor Transport Association, (225) 928-5682, and they will help coordinate the load.

Some companies will pay for freight but since there is little opportunity for a backhaul, they are not able to find trucking companies to transport the load to Louisiana.

Contact: Eryn Witcher, EPA, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov; Bill Wright, DOL/OSHA, 202-693-1896; Bill Hall, HHS, 202-690-6344; FEMA Newsdesk, 202-646-4600

(Washington, D.C.-September 14, 2005)  Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina can pose significant health and environmental challenges. People may be exposed to potentially life-threatening hazards posed by leaking natural gas lines, and carbon monoxide poisoning from using un-vented fuel-burning equipment indoors. During a flood cleanup, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity may present serious long-term health risks from micro-organisms, such as bacteria and mold.

When citizens are authorized by local authorities to return to their homes and businesses, federal authorities urge people to take the following precautions:

• Be Aware of Possible Combustible or Explosive Gases - Many natural gas and other fuel lines were broken during Hurricane Katrina and highly explosive gas vapors may still be present in many buildings. In addition, methane and other explosive gases may accumulate from decaying materials.
• Open all windows when entering a building. If you smell gas or hear the sound of escaping gas:
  • Don't smoke, light matches, operate electrical switches, use either cell or conventional telephones, or create any other source of ignition.
  • Leave the building immediately; leaving the door open and any windows that may already be open.
  • Notify emergency authorities. Don't return to the building until you are told by authorities that it is safe to do so.
• Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is burned and that can kill you at high levels.
  • Do not use fuel-burning devices such as gasoline-powered generators, gasoline-powered pressure washers, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal grills in homes, garages, or any other confined space such as attics or crawl spaces, or within 10 ft. of windows, doors or other air intakes. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Have vents and chimneys checked to assure that debris does not block or impede the exhaust from water heaters and gas furnaces.
  • If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. The CO from generators can readily lead to full incapacitation and death.
• Avoid Problems from Mold, Bacteria and Insects - Standing water is a breeding ground for a wide range of micro-organisms and insects, such as mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile Virus. Micro-organisms, including bacteria and mold, can become airborne and be inhaled. Where floodwater is highly contaminated, as it is in many areas of the Gulf Coast, infectious disease is of concern.
  • Remove standing water as quickly as possible.
  • Remove wet materials and discard those that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried, ideally within 48 hours. While smooth, hard surface materials such as metal and plastics can often be cleaned effectively, virtually all building contents made of paper, cloth, wood and other absorbent materials that have been wet for longer than 48 hours may need to be discarded as they will likely remain a source of mold growth.
  • Dry out the building. The heavily contaminated flood waters resulting from Hurricane Katrina contain micro-organisms and other contaminants that can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials and later be released into air or water. Completely drying out a building that has been immersed in contaminated flood waters will take time and may require the extensive removal of ceiling, wall, insulation, flooring and other materials as well as, in some cases, extensive disinfection. The growth of micro-organisms will continue as long as materials remain wet and humidity is high. If a house or building is not dried out properly, a musty odor, signifying growth of micro-organisms, can remain long after the flood. When fumes are not a concern and if electricity is available and safe, closing windows and running a dehumidifier or window air conditioner can be an effective way to remove moisture if the damage is moderate.
  • Reduce your exposure to air and water contaminants. Every effort should be made to limit contact with flood water. This includes the breathing of water vapors or mists formed from the contaminated water; this may occur when water is pumped or sprayed. If removing materials or furnishings already contaminated with mold or when cleaning significant areas of mold contamination or generally disinfecting areas soiled by flood waters, federal authorities recommend limiting your exposure to airborne mold spores by wearing gloves, goggles, and wearing an N-95 respirator, if available, or a dust mask.
• Avoid Problems from the Use of Cleaners, Disinfectants, and Pesticides - Disinfectants, sanitizers, and other pesticides can contain toxic and potentially hazardous substances.
  • Mixing certain types of household cleaners and disinfectants can produce toxic fumes and result in injury and even death. Do not mix them or use them in combination.
  • Read and follow all label instructions carefully.
  • Provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. Remain in a room no longer than necessary. Allow adequate time for the area to air out.
  • If there is no standing water in the building and it is safe to use electricity, use fans both during and after the use of disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitizing products. Be sure that before using any electrical appliances, that they are properly grounded, and where possible, connected to a ground break equipped electrical source.
  • Keep all household products locked, out of sight and out of reach of children. Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use. Keep items in original containers. Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately in cast of poisoning.
• EPA Urges Avoiding Problems from Airborne Asbestos and Lead Dust - Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in many older homes are disturbed. Pipe or other insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, roof shingles and sprayed on-soundproofing are just some of the materials found in older buildings that may contain asbestos. Buildings constructed before 1970 are more likely to contain asbestos. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Lead is a highly toxic metal which produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Many homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint may result in elevated concentrations of lead dust in the air.
  • If you know or suspect that your home contains asbestos or lead-based paint and any of these materials have been damaged or will otherwise be disturbed during cleanup, seek the assistance of public health authorities and try to obtain help from specially trained contractors, if available.
  • If possible, removed materials should be handled while still wet or damp, double bagged and properly labeled as to contents.
  • In handling materials that are believed to be contaminated with asbestos or lead, EPA recommends that, at a minimum, you wear gloves, goggles, and most importantly, OSHA-approved respiratory protection, if available.
  • While still wearing a mask, wash hands and clothing after handling such materials.
  • If at all possible, avoid activities that will generate dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos or lead.
  • Take precautions before your contractor or you begin remodeling or renovations that disturb surfaces that may contain lead-based paint (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls):
    • Have the area tested for lead-based paint.
    • Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of lead dust and potentially harmful fumes.
    • Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can't move your family, at least completely seal off the work area.
• Properly Dispose of Waste - Caution must be exercised to assure that all waste materials are removed and disposed of properly. Open burning of materials by individuals should be avoided. Improperly controlled burning of materials not only represents significant fire hazards but can also produce additional hazards from the vapors, smoke, and residue that are produced from the burning.

For those who have access to the internet, here are links to additional information:

• For more detailed information and guidance on mold prevention and cleanup, visit:
  http://www.epa.gov/mold or call IAQINFO at 800-438-4318.
• EPA recommends that those dealing with extensive flood damage obtain and follow the detailed guidance in the American Red Cross/FEMA publications Repairing Your Flooded Home:
  http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html
• For more information on safe management of asbestos, visit:
  http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/ashome.html
• For more information on safe management of lead-based paint, visit:
  http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/
• Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood website –
  http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/
• CDC Hurricanes Health and Safety:
  http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health -- Storm and Flood Cleanup
  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flood/
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response web page, "Protect Yourself from Mold" – http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp

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Dear Customers,
Please be advised of the following travel restrictions due to Hurricane Rita:

We have been advised by the state of Texas that in due to Hurricane Rita, they are restricting all loads traveling South of Dallas/Tarrant County and East of Dallas. At this time they are still allowing travel north of Dallas and West of Ft.Worth/Tarrant County. Below is a listing of counties that we have been provided that travel has restricted movement and applications will be denied:
Beaumont
Bryan
Corpus Christi
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Houston
Pharr
Yoakum
Lufkin
Bryan

We thank you for your business,
COMDATA Regulatory Compliance,
Your service provider of choice for the transportation industry.

Mobile air traffic control equipment, technical personnel, trucks, buses, airplanes and ocean-going vessels are now in place to support the massive federal, state and local effort to prepare for Hurricane Rita, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced late Thursday.

"We are working hand in hand with federal, state and local officials to make sure they have every available transportation asset in place to get people out, supplies in and key facilities back up and running in areas where Hurricane Rita is expected to make landfall," Mineta said.

He noted that the U.S. Department of Transportation is taking the following steps to support Federal Emergency Management Agency and the states of Texas and Louisiana as they prepare for Hurricane Rita. The secretary noted that additional resources will be provided as requested by the states:

Trucks and Supplies

• Delivering one tanker of diesel fuel, six trucks of tarps, five trucks of plastic sheeting, two trailers filled with cots, one trailer filled with tents and one filled with sleeping bags to FEMA staging areas in Texas. These deliveries are in addition to supplies already provided to the region as part of the Hurricane Katrina response.
• Putting 10 trucks on standby at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio to move additional supplies as needed.
• Suspending rules limiting hours of service for truck drivers in the affected region so emergency and repair crews will be able to work as needed to support evacuation, recovery and repair operations.

Aircraft and Air Traffic Control

• Securing aircraft to evacuate Texas residents, as well as Hurricane Katrina evacuees, by air from Houston to Ft. Smith and from Corpus Christi and Beaumont to Smyrna, Tenn.
• Putting six MD-80 aircraft on standby in Baton Rouge, La. to support another airlift out of Louisiana if needed.
• Pre-positioning mobile communications and navigational equipment along with technical personnel in Austin, Texas, and Baton Rouge to deploy after the storm passes to restore basic air traffic control services.
• Maintaining a small staff at Houston aviation facilities to reactivate key equipment as soon as possible after the storm leaves the area.

Buses

• Providing more than 650 buses in response to requests from Texas and Louisiana officials to help to support evacuation efforts.
• Working with transit agencies across the country to identify additional buses that can be acquired and deployed to support evacuations in Texas and Louisiana as needed.

Trains and Equipment

• Working with railroad operators, the Association of American Railroads and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association to identify hazmat cars in Texas and Louisiana and evacuate cars as needed.
• Maintaining an expedited process for issuing waivers to allow rail operators to clear damaged equipment in order to resume operations after the Hurricane passes through the region.

Ports and Shipping

• Staging personnel with expertise in repairing port infrastructure in New Orleans to deploy as needed to support repair efforts.
• Maintaining 12 Ready Reserve Vessels in New Orleans (4); Port Sulphur, La. (1); Houston (2); Orange, Texas (3); and Beaumont (2) so they will be available to provide power, equipment and housing for workers in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Transportation are working with state and local officials to assess transportation infrastructure in the regions likely to be affected by Hurricane Rita. These teams are beginning to develop plans to quickly repair and rebuild roads, bridges, ports, pipelines and airports should they be damaged by Hurricane Rita, Mineta said.