FEMA Extends Free One-Way Transportation Offer To Dec. 31 

Evacuees Have Transportation Option to Anywhere in the Contiguous 48 States

Release Date: December 12, 2005
Release Number: 1605-127

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita evacuees and their dependents living in Alabama hotels and motels, who wish to relocate, have until Dec. 31 to take advantage of free one-way airplane, train or bus tickets. Applicants may apply for the program by calling FEMA's toll-free number at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Travel is restricted to the lower 48 states.

The purpose of the program is to help individuals, whose homes were unlivable, reunite with family members and move to more suitable housing. Applicants with an undamaged residence may request tickets to return home, but must provide convincing evidence their homes are ready for occupancy. No further travel tickets will be issued.

"We are offering evacuees transportation to join family or friends or perhaps go to a new job opportunity," Federal Coordinating Michael Bolch said. "Our goal is to get people out of temporary, commercial housing and into a normal lifestyle."

Hurricane Katrina applicants must have been evacuated from Louisiana or Mississippi. Hurricane Rita applicants must have been evacuated from Louisiana or Texas by a federal or other government transportation program. Applicants must be qualified FEMA disaster registrants able to travel on commercial carriers without medical assistance. Only those registered will be able to make travel arrangements for dependents.

Applicants must be able to provide or coordinate their own transportation to and from the airports, train stations or bus depots and be able to give the address and phone number of the family member, friend or housing unit (not a hotel or motel), where they will be staying when they relocate.

Eligible modes of travel include air, train and bus. Rental cars and airline ticketed overnight stays are not allowable. Tickets cannot be used for evacuees to check the status of their home, attend funerals or meet with a FEMA inspector or insurance adjuster.

Last Modified: Monday, 12-Dec-2005 11:26:17