West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin Responds to Katrina Relief Disaster
Democratic Governors across the nation have stepped up to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Learn how West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin has responded below.
8/31: Governor Joe Manchin strongly encouraged West Virginians to take part in the relief effort and make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
8/31: Governor Manchin coordinated an effort with the National Guard Bureau to send two companies of engineers to the Gulf Coast. Four Air National Guard planes were put on standby.
9/1: Governor Manchin worked with the EPA and suppliers to ensure gas supplies and eliminate any price gouging.
9/2: Governor Manchin assigned Jim Spears, the Secretary of Military Affairs and Public Safety to work with homeland security officals in the Gulf Coast states to formulate a plan to find housing for the thousands of displaced hurricane victims.
9/3: West Virginia, Marshall and Wheeling Jesuit followed Manchin's call to open up their doors to displaced Gulf Coast college students.
9/3: Two West Virginia National Guard engineering companies were sent to the Gulf Coast.
9/3: Governor Blanco and Perry have accepted Governor Manchin's offer to help relocate up to 3,000 displaced Louisiana residents. At 11:30 am, six West Virginia Air National Guard C-130's left West Virginia to pick up 500 Louisiana residents who eventually made their way to Camp Dawson for temporary housing.
9/4: The West Virginia National Guard sent 300 soldiers and airmen to New Orleans.
