Some Blanco requests for federal help still unmet (radio and generators)

[Be Brave]

Oliphant mentioned this on Jim Lehrer news hour, just to give an example. So here it is for the record.

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/090805ccKatrinacarequests.732c7656.html

Associated Press

Nearly a week after they were requested and with emergency systems taxed, the radio equipment and portable generators that Gov. Kathleen Blanco asked federal officials to supply have yet to arrive.

Those items were among several that Blanco requested Friday in a letter to President Bush to help out with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

The governor asked for portable radios, equipment and tower crews to work on beefing up the communications grid that failed and kept rescue personnel, police and emergency workers from being able to talk to each other easily.

"The radio system that is currently operational in the greater New Orleans area was designed to support 800 users; there are currently 2,500 users. To address the radio communications requirements, we need additional frequencies," Blanco said in her letter.

She also requested 175 generators to help local parishes and emergency staff who are struggling without power or with flooded generators and the diesel fuel supplies to run them.

Federal officials haven't filled either request, according to state officials.

Those items would be helpful, said Lt. Col. Pete Schneider, with the Louisiana National Guard, but he added, "The mission's getting done without all this."

FEMA officials on Thursday said they were tracking down the status of those items requested but not received.

"If the governor asked for it, we're going to get it for her," said FEMA Director Mike Brown.

[Be Brave]

1. kick. FYI.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. yet some blame her

[Moderator]

3. BeBrave

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