Pataki Unveils State's Hurricane Relief Plans

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York Secretary of State Randy Daniels has been appointed by Gov. George Pataki to head up New York's relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, The Albany Business Review reported Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Pataki's office also announced that state officials had notified federal authorities that New York could welcome 5,000 evacuees, should the need arise. Currently, federal officials are holding off sending evacuees outside the Southeast because most of them have asked to remain as close as possible to their homes, according to Pataki's office.

State officials said that if needed, a plan would be implemented that would allow evacuees to arrive at a main location in New York where they would be provided with shelter and medical services. State agencies and relief organizations would then work to place the evacuees in communities around the state.

A new hotline – 1 (888) 7-NYS-AID -- has been set up allowing New York residents to offer housing resources for evacuees.

-- NSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 9/7/05