FEMA Begins Referring Families to HUD for Temporary Disaster Housing Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on November 1st will begin implementing its temporary disaster housing program to assist families displaced by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. In anticipation of the start date, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has given the names of more than 6,500 eligible families to HUD which will provide temporary housing assistance until March 2010. Read more

Federal Aid Programs for Arkansas Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Arkansas. Read more

FEMA Urges People to Know Codes before Rebuilding

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises Louisiana residents who must repair flood-damaged homes or businesses to be aware of the special requirements for buildings that have been substantially damaged or will be substantially improved. Individual property owners need to work closely with their local community officials to ensure compliance with floodplain regulations - or else their flood insurance rates could be significantly higher. Read more

FEMA Offers Automated Status Update On Helpline

Applicants for disaster assistance can check the status of their application by making a phone call. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials want all Texans who have registered for assistance to know there is a new "Automated Status Update" function on FEMA's toll-free registration line. Read more

FEMA Inspectors, Others Are in Texas Neighborhoods

Inspectors for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are among the personnel currently working throughout southeast Texas to gauge the losses that businesses and residents experienced from Hurricane Ike. Others include loss verifiers from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and residential substantial loss estimators, who are providing technical support to local communities. Read more

President Declares Major Disaster for Arkansas

federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Ike during the period of September 13-23, 2008. Read more

SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center Opens In Fort Bend

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open at the George Memorial Library in Fort Bend County. Read more

Thousands Of Texas Landlords List Rental Properties With FEMA

Thousands of Texas landlords answered the call to register their rental units with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as temporary housing for Texans displaced by Hurricane Ike. But state and federal disaster recovery officials say many more rentals are needed. Read more

Hours Of Operation Changing For All Disaster Recovery Centers

The hours of operation for all FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers will change this week, in anticipation of the daylight saving time change. Beginning Thursday, Oct. 23, all centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. The only exception is the roving disaster recovery centers, which will be open on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 26. Read more

By The Numbers: FEMA Recovery Update in Louisiana

Since hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit the State of Louisiana, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners have worked together helping those affected by the storms recover. So far, more than $300 million has been approved by FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for mission assignments, individual assistance, public assistance and SBA loans to hurricanes Gustav and Ike applicants. Here is an update on the services and assistance they have provided since the hurricanes struck, as of close of business Oct. 16. Read more

Complete List of Closed Facilities

Complete List of Closed Facilities, as of October 8, 2008

Hurricane Ike Victims Eligible For Free Disaster Legal Services

Texas residents who were impacted by Hurricane Ike can make use of free legal assistance and counseling. The Disaster Legal Services hotline is 1-800-504-7030. Read more

Rain Brings Home Need for Operation Blue Roof: 8,000 Already Installed

Operation Blue Roof is free to eligible applicants. It is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and managed by the Corps. Under the program authorized for the disaster recovery, Corps contractors install plastic sheeting as a temporary solution that allows individuals to remain in their residence until they can make more permanent repairs.
To date, the program has installed more than 8,000 temporary roofs throughout the region affected by Hurricane Ike. About 21,000 residents have applied for and qualified for Blue Roofs, which means crews have completed about 40 percent of the roofs to be installed so far. Read more

Completing SBA Loan Application Is The Key To Full Texas Disaster Assistance

Texans who suffered damages or losses from Hurricane Ike and received a loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are urged to complete and return the application. Doing so will ensure the applicants are considered for the full range of disaster assistance that may be available to them. Officials with the SBA report a total of more than $3.8 million in SBA loans have already been approved for Ike-related damages and losses in Texas. Read more

Update Your FEMA Contact Information

Many people who contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance after Hurricane Ike struck Texas have moved since they registered. Now FEMA is trying to contact those people and finding that many of the phone numbers given by applicants are no longer current. Applicants may update their contact information anytime by calling the toll-free FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or the TTY line, 1-800-462-7585, or at http://www.fema.gov/. Read more

Extra Funds Available To Some Flood Insurance Policyholders

Flood insurance policyholders whose structures were damaged by flooding from Hurricane Ike may be eligible for up to $30,000 in coverage in addition to their claims for damages. The extra money can be used by property owners to make their homes or businesses safe from future floods. Read more

One Week Remains To File For Disaster Unemployment Assistance

One week remains for Texas workers who are unemployed due to Hurricane Ike to apply for disaster unemployment benefits. The filing deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 15. Read more

Hurricane Ike’s Effects Linger in the Great Lakes

Although Hurricane Ike is long gone, its impact lingers more than a thousand miles from where it made landfall. Runoff from tributaries dumped massive amounts of sediment into Lake Michigan, contaminating the water, compromising near-shore navigation and raising E coli bacteria to levels unsafe for swimming. Read more

Images of Texas Neighborhood Devastated by Hurricane Ike Now Online

Before-and-after Hurricane Ike photographs showing the near total destruction of a coastal neighborhood in Texas are now accessible online. On Monday, Sept. 15, a team of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists flew the coast impacted by Hurricane Ike and acquired photographs and video. Images of Crystal Beach, Texas, on the Bolivar Peninsula are compared to aerial photographs of the same area taken Sept. 9, several days before Ike's landfall, and are now available. Read more

Pollution Response Continues in Wake of Ike

The Unified Command here continues to make steady progress identifying, assessing and overseeing the cleanup of post-hurricane pollution sites throughout southeast Texas Sunday. Read more

Mobile Recovery Center Shifts Sites in Houston

The mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Antoine Medical Office Building on Antoine Drive in Houston has moved. Read more

Use Disaster Assistance Grants Wisely

Disaster assistance payments are bringing some much needed financial help to Texans affected by Hurricane Ike. But those payments come with some words of advice from state and federal officials: Be cautious, use them wisely. Read more

USCIS Houston Office Re-Open for Customer Emergencies on Monday

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that two of its offices in the Houston area will reopen Monday, September 29, after having closed for business due to Hurricane Ike. Read more

Programas De Asistencia Federal Para La Recuperación Por Desastre De Alabama

A continuación un resumen de los programas federales de asistencia por desastre que pueden estar disponibles según la necesidad y autorización bajo la declaración por desastre mayor del Presidente Bush para el estado de Alabama. Leer más

Federal Aid Programs For Alabama Disaster Recovery

A summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Alabama. Read more

El Presidente Declara Un Desastre Mayor En Alabama

El administrador de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos anunció hoy que asistencia federal por desastre está disponible para Alabama para complementar los esfuerzos de recuperación estatales y locales en el área impactada por las inundaciones y tormentas severas asociadas con el Huracan Ike que ocurrieron durante el periodo comprendido del 12 al 14 de septiembre de 2008. Leer más

President Declares Major Disaster For Alabama

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding associated with Hurricane Ike during the period of September 12-14, 2008. Read more

Another Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Harris County

Another FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Harris County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike, bringing the total of centers in this county to six. Read more

Another Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Chambers County

Another FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Chambers County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Jasper County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Jasper County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

SBA Disaster Loans: Available To Texas Homeowners, Renters, Business Owners And Nonprofit Organizations

Federal grants are only one form of disaster assistance available to Texas residents recovering from Hurricane Ike. In fact, the bulk of disaster repair and replacement funds come from loans provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Read more

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Open

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today opened Disaster Recovery Centers in Munster, Lake Station and Gary for residents with property damages from recent severe storms and flooding. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Galveston County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Galveston County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Chambers County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Chambers County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Newton County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Newton County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Fifth Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Harris County

Another FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Harris County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Ineligibility Letter May Not Be Last Word On Disaster Assistance

A letter stating a person is ineligible for disaster assistance may not be the final word on an application with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read more

Mandeville Disaster Recovery Center Transitions to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Michael Ricks, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Louisiana office, announced today that the Mandeville Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), located at the Mandeville Public Works Department in Mandeville, will transition to an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, 2008. Read more

Mobile Recovery Center Leaves Kennard, Moves to Weches

The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Kennard is on the move after close of business Saturday, Sept. 27. The center will transfer to Weches, opening on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 1 p.m to 6 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. thereafter. Read more

Federal Aid Programs For Indiana Disaster Recovery

A summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Indiana. Read more

Hud Y Fema Anuncian Un Programa De Asistencia De 18 Meses Para Vivivienda Para Familias Desalojadas Por El Huracán Ike

El Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los EE.UU. (HUD, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron hoy un programa de asistencia para inquilinos que proporcionará pagos de alquiler provisorio y servicios de administración de casos para ayudar a miles de familias que fueron desalojadas por el Huracán Ike. El nuevo plan, programado para comenzar el 1 de noviembre de 2008, ayudará a estas familias a encontrar vivienda inmediata mientras reconstruyen sus vidas. Leer más

HUD, FEMA Announce 18-Month Housing Assistance Program For Families Displaced By Hurricane Ike

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced a rental assistance program that will provide temporary rental payments and case management services to help thousands of families who were displaced by Hurricane Ike. The new program, slated to begin November 1, 2008, will help these families find intermediate housing as they rebuild their lives. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Fort Bend County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is opening in Fort Bend County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Jefferson County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Jefferson County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Texans - Here's How to Speed Disaster Assistance

State and federal officials who are helping Texans recover from Hurricane Ike have some tips to speed disaster aid. Read more

Insurance Coverage May Not Cover All Losses for Texans

Many Texans, who suffered losses due to Hurricane Ike, are covered by their insurance. Even the best coverage may not cover every need, which is why state, federal and non-profit programs are made available. Read more

USS Nassau Concludes Hurricane Ike Disaster Response Efforts

USS Nassau (LHA 4) is on the way back to her homeport in Norfolk, Va., after a week of supporting local, state and federal civil authorities in Galveston's recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Read more

Texas Renters May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance

Texas renters who suffered damage to their residences from Hurricane Ike may be eligible for disaster assistance. Read more

Cracking Down On Disaster Fraud

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the [Missouri] State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are working to identify a small percentage of disaster assistance applicants who have been trying to cash in on the misfortune of others. Read more

One Week Left To Register For Flood Aid In Missouri

Families, individuals and businesses in Missouri that have suffered damage from severe storms and flooding events from June 1 - August 13 have one week to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance. Read more

Hotline Available 24/7 For FEMA Assistance

Residents in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties with property damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ike may call a toll-free helpline operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to register for assistance. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Montgomery County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Montgomery County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Polk County

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Polk County to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Texas Debris Removal Activities on Schedule

Debris removal is a priority as Texas moves into recovery from Hurricane Ike; a three-phase plan to accomplish this is on schedule. Read more

Texans Should Beware of Fraud During Recovery Efforts

Residents of Texas affected by Hurricane Ike are urged to be alert for and report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts. Read more

Attention Returning Galveston Residents

The EPA has posted information residents to their homes in Galveston. Read more

Unified Command Continues to Respond to Post-Hurricane Pollution

The Unified Command here continues Tuesday to confirm, assess, prioritize and clean up reports of pollution caused by Hurricane Ike. Read more

UPDATE: Restrictions ease on Hurricane Ike affected Waterways

The Captain of the Port (COTP) for Houston-Galveston has opened the Houston Ship Channel from the Sea Buoy to the Turning Basin for all transits up to project depth, for both night and day transits. Read more

Army Corps of Engineers setting stage for recovery from Hurricane Ike

Residents of hard-hit Galveston Island have the opportunity to return Wednesday, Sept. 24. Although this is the first time many will be able to see their homes and community since Hurricane Ike struck on Sept. 13, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already been there, setting the stage for recovery. Read more

Texans Should Beware of Fraud During Recovery Efforts

Residents of Texas affected by Hurricane Ike are urged to be alert for and report potential fraud during recovery and rebuilding efforts. Read more

Coast Guard continues restrictions on Mississippi and Illinois rivers

The Coast Guard captain of the port at Sector Upper Mississippi continues waterway restrictions for the Mississippi and Illinois rivers due to high water levels Monday, Sept., 22, 2008. Read more

Update: Gulf Coast Waterways Openings

The men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard continue to reset navigational markers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, allowing merchant ships to operate in near normal conditions. Read more

Unified Command Established for Post-Hurricane Ike Pollution Response

Four federal and state agencies established a unified command here Monday to efficiently coordinate efforts to contain and clean up oil and hazardous materials in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Read more

National Guard Aids Stranded Livestock in Louisiana

National Guard soldiers teamed up with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to airlift food and water to thousands of cattle isolated by the flood waters of Hurricane Ike. Read more

USCIS Houston Offices Remain Closed Due to Hurricane Ike

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that four of its offices in the Houston area will remain closed for business until further notice. Read more

Recovery Center Opens in Waller County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Hempstead to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

The hours of operation at the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Kennard have changed. Read more

Coast Guard and partners continue to respond to 202 reports of pollution along Gulf Coast

The Coast Guard continues to work Saturday with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas General Land Office, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to assess and expedite the cleanup of pollution that resulted from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Coast Guard closes portions of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri rivers

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Sector Upper Mississippi River has closed sections of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers, in addition to previous closures. Read more

CBP Personnel on Hurricane Ike Humanitarian Mission Render First Aid to Critically Injured Houston Police Officer

A convoy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel returning from completing a humanitarian mission in Houston encountered a serious traffic accident involving a Houston Police Department motorcycle patrolman yesterday afternoon. Read more

Three Additional Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Harris County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

Three additional FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in Houston to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Recovery Center Opens in Tyler County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Woodville to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Recovery Center Opens in Hardin County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Kountze to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Recovery Center Opens In Houston County To Assist Victims Of Hurricane Ike

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Kennard to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Coast Guard responds to 154 reports of oil and chemical spills in the Houston-Galveston area

Coast Guard members are responding to 158 reports of oil and chemical spills along the coast from Houston to Lake Charles, La. Read more

National Service Moves In After Hurricane Ike

National service disaster responders swung into action to assist recovery efforts after Hurricane Ike’s devastating romp through Texas late last week. With AmeriCorps members pre-positioned to deploy, response has been fast and effective. Read more

Military airborne imagery supported immediate hurricane recovery efforts

Video and still imagery provided by military aircraft after Hurricane Ike struck the Gulf Coast gave responders on the ground their first look at affected areas in Texas and Louisiana. Read more

Update 4: Coast Guard lifts night restrictions on Houston Ship Channel

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Houston-Galveston has opened the Houston Ship Channel 24 hours a day with the some restrictions. Read more

CBP Nears Completion of Ike Recovery, Reconstitution Missions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees continue to support Texas Hurricane Ike recovery operations today, and are resuming full or limited operations at Houston regional air and sea Ports of Entry. Read more

Hurricane Gustav/Hurricane Ike Activity Statistics Update

Minerals Management Service Monitors Activities for Both Storms Through its Continuity of Operations Plan
Offshore oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico are reboarding platforms and rigs and restoring production following both Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. The Minerals Management Service is monitoring activities for both hurricanes through its Continuity of Operations Plan team. This team will be activated until operations return to normal. Read more

Coast Guard continues restrictions on the ship channel

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Houston-Galveston has re-opened portions of the Houston Ship Channel to commercial traffic, with restrictions. Read more

Kearsarge Medics Begin Health Assessments in Haiti

The amphibious ship USS Kearsarge expanded its assistance to disaster relief operations in Haiti on Sept. 17, dispatching medical teams to conduct health assessments of Haitian communities suffering in the aftermath of tropical storms Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Hurricane Ike. Read more

USCIS Houston Offices Remain Due to Hurricane Ike

Asylum Office, Two Application Support Centers reopen
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that its district office, the LIFE Act Building, and its Southeast Application Support Center remains closed for business until further notice. Read more

State Shows FEMA Damage Left From Hurricane Ike

Hoosiers learned last week that you don't have to live by the ocean to feel the affects of a hurricane, after remnants of Hurricane Ike rolled through the state leaving severe flooding and wind damage in several Indiana counties. Read more

Minerals Management Service Updates Ike Damage Assessments

Offshore Damage from Hurricane Ike is Surveyed through MMS, Oil and Gas Industry and U.S. Coast Guard Over Flights
Minerals Management Service (MMS) reports that as of September 17, 2008, 49 of the 3,800 offshore oil and gas production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico have been destroyed by Hurricane Ike. Currently, MMS has no information on whether any of the destroyed platforms will be rebuilt by any operator. Oil and gas operators are also reporting damage to offshore infrastructure other than destruction. These reports are being analyzed by MMS and damage statistics will be released next week. Read more

SBA Disaster Budget Questions and Answers

Questions and answers regarding the SBA's budget for large disasters, including hurricanes such as Ike. Read more

Corps permits for emergency repairs to previously authorized projects

The repair of damages resulting from Hurricane Ike may require a Regulatory Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The President has declared a National Disaster in 29 Texas counties and 4 Louisiana parishes as a result of Hurricane Ike. The Galveston and Fort Worth Districts advise that the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of any previously authorized structure or fill that was serviceable immediately prior to the flooding event, is authorized under Nationwide Permit #3 (NWP #3). Such repair, rehabilitation, or replacement must not result in a deviation from the plans of the original structure. Read more

After Ike: Federal Resources Support Response, Recovery

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the joint efforts of federal, tribal, state and local partners as immediate response activities begin to reach completion and recovery efforts begin across the Gulf Coast. Read more

EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Waivers for District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

As a result of the disruption in the supply of fuel caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirements and allow the sale of conventional gasoline (CG) in all the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland. Today’s waiver also extends the current RFG waiver in Virginia. These waivers will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply of gasoline. Read more

Audio Messages Promote Safety Tips in Wake of Hurricane Ike

The Environmental Protection Agency has several recorded public service announcements (PSAs) offering safety tips to affected residents as they begin to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Read more

USCIS Houston Offices Remain Closed Due to Hurricane Ike

Asylum Office, Two Application Support Centers reopen
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that its district office, the LIFE Act Building, and its Southeast Application Support Center remains closed for business until further notice. Read more

President Bush Receives Update on Hurricane Ike Response and Relief Efforts

President Bush Receives Update on Hurricane Ike Response and Relief Efforts. Read more

USCIS Houston Office Remains Closed Due to Hurricane Ike

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that its Houston office at 126 Northpoint will remain closed for business today and tomorrow (Sept. 15-16). Additionally, all three local Application Support Centers as well as the Houston Asylum Office (see locations below) will remain closed until Wednesday, Sept. 17. Read more

NOAA Aids with Hurricane Ike Recovery

Responders from NOAA are on the move as residents and businesses in Texas and Louisiana recover from the effects of Hurricane Ike. Read more

EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Waivers for Parts of Kentucky and Texas

As the result of the disruption in the supply of fuel caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for parts of Kentucky and Texas. These waivers will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply. Read more

U.S. Sec. of Transportation Mary E. Peters Announces $5 Million to Begin Funding Repair Work for Roads, Bridges & Airports Damaged by Hurricane Ike

The federal government is making $5 million available immediately to begin funding work to repair roads, bridges and airports damaged by Hurricane Ike, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced during a visit to the Houston region. She added that more funds will be made available for repair and reconstruction work once damages assessed for the region’s transportation network have been completed. Read more

Coast Guard eases retrictions on the Houston Ship Channel

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Houston-Galveston has re-opened portions of the Houston Ship Channel to commercial traffic, with restrictions. Read more

Coast Guard incident command post moves to Clear Lake

The Coast Guard incident command post (ICP) for Hurricane Ike has moved from Katy, Texas to the Clear Lake Hilton Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Read more

Louisiana Guard clears devastation in Cameron Parish

A military response team arrived in Cameron Parish on Sept. 15 to begin cleanup operations in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Read more

Guard wades into Indiana flooding

About 180 Indiana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are supporting relief missions during massive flooding in northern Indiana. Rain began to fall for 48 hours Sept. 11 caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ike as it passed through the Midwest. Ike’s leftovers moved through Indiana carrying winds of 50 mph. The 6-8 inches of heavy rain and high winds downed many power lines, reportedly leaving more than 87,000 people without electricity. Read more