WASHINGTON, DC (September 10, 2008) - During a briefing on Hurricane Ike today, Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Stafford,  worked with Harris County Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials on plans to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation for residents in the storm’s path.

Evacuation orders were issued today and will likely continue until the storm makes landfall early on Saturday. Under the observation of Rep. Lampson, measures have been taken to ensure that highways such as I-10 remain open and allow residents to find shelter without being slowed by congestion. The Texas Department of Transportation will clean all shoulders on the highway to be used as additional lanes if necessary. Plans are being developed to suspend all construction on highways should an evacuation be necessary.

“We must be certain that Southeast Texas is prepared for whatever Hurricane Ike will bring,” said Rep. Lampson “I have been in contact with state and federal authorities and am confident that we will be successful in weathering this storm.”

FEMA administrator R.David Paulison expressed his confidence to Congressman Lampson that enough fuel, water, and ice trucks would be available to meet needs if a large-scale evacuation were ordered for the Houston area. The two talked about possible evacuation aid provided by military vehicles that were on hand for earlier preparations related to Hurricane Gustav in New Orleans, LA. The two discussed alternative evacuation methods for the Houston area including public loading of area buses and trains.

Brazoria County issued a mandatory evacuation at 10a.m. today for all special needs residents and residents located in the ZIP code 77541. A voluntary evacuation is in effect for the remaining portions of Brazoria County. Brazoria County has provided buses for those who do not have transportation to evacuate.  The levee surrounding Freeport can hold a storm surge of about 15 feet. The storm is currently projected to supply a surge of about 12 feet.

If there is anyone with no means of transportation or who cannot find anyone to aid in their evacuation and need assistance they should call 979-245-3056 or 979-244-5318.

“Protecting the public and infrastructure is the number one priority right now,” said Rep. Lampson “I am prepared to do whatever it takes to provide optimal emergency preparedness to our area”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Congressman Nick Lampson secured $40 million dollars for the state of Texas that was lost providing assistance to victims of Katrina. Citizens seeking further information regarding evacuation routes, emergency contact information, and preparation checklists should visit http://lampson.house.gov/