[StBernard] Statement of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Regarding Congressional Testimony of former FEMA Director Mike Brown

[Westley Annis]

Statement of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Regarding Congressional
Testimony of former FEMA Director Mike Brown 

September 27, 2005

"Mike Brown testified today, under oath, that I did not include Orleans,
Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes in my original disaster declaration
request sent to the President on August 28.  In fact, that request did
include 14 parishes in southeast Louisiana, including Orleans, Jefferson and
Plaquemines.

"Mr. Brown further suggested that I did not order an evacuation of New
Orleans until Sunday, Aug. 28.  In fact, the evacuation was ordered on the
morning of Saturday, August 27. Within 48 hours, 1.3 million citizens -
representing more than 90 percent of the region -- were safely evacuated in
the state's extraordinarily effective evacuation plan that included early
use of contraflow on the interstate system.

"Such falsehoods and misleading statements, made under oath before Congress,
are shocking. It clearly demonstrates the appalling degree to which Mr.
Brown is either out of touch with the truth or reality.

"Today's hearing only supports the need for a thorough, non-partisan
investigation of this event."

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