Only 4 Katrina evacuees in Alabama dorm housing built for 1,200

[struggle4progress]

Associated Press


ANNISTON, Ala. - More than 2,000 volunteers showed up days after Hurricane Katrina to spruce up for hundreds of evacuees who were expected to stay in vacant barracks at the Army's old Fort McClellan.

The work wasn't for nothing, but it was close: As of Friday, only four storm victims were staying in the barracks, which the Federal Emergency Management Agency renovated to provide space for 1,200 people.

Officials say more people could still show up to live in the old training barracks, which locals call "starships" for their vague resemblence to the USS Enterprise of "Star Trek" fame. <snip>

But FEMA also signed a two-year contract for the vacant barracks and renovated them for living spaces on the belief Katrina victims would flood the town. Volunteers cleaned up around the buildings, and a FEMA contractor built privacy walls in what were big, open rooms. <snip>

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/local/12904522.htm

[Imalittleteapot]

1. I don't suppose it ever occurred to FEMA

that the same people that didn't have transportation to get out of NO, don't have transportation to get to the barracks. FEMA knows where the people are -- some in tents.
Why don't they pick them up and give them a ride?

[preciousdove]

2. Wasn't Army Chemical battalion based there in the 70's? n/t