An informative article, but a poorly worded headline.



Perry Orders Refugees Moved Out of Texas
September 05, 2005

AUSTIN, Texas - With Texas shelters reaching their limit of refugees from Hurricane Katrina, state leaders want to fly some of them to other states that have offered to help. Gov. Rick Perry said Sunday that Texas needs other states to help manage the growing crisis. Nearly a quarter million refugees are already in Texas and more are still pouring in. "There are shelters set up in other states that are sitting empty while thousands arrive in Texas by the day, if not the hour," Perry said. "We are doing everything we can to address the needs of evacuees as they arrive, but in order to meet this enormous need, we need help from other states."

Under a plan set up Sunday, aid centers will be established at airports in Houston and Dallas where incoming refugees can be given food, water and medical care before they are flown out. The Texas National Guard will coordinate the air operation and the governor's office said that people should not just show up at an airport expecting to be transported. Perry said that American, Continental and Southwest airlines, all of which are based in Texas, have agreed to lend their help.

Since Thursday, Perry's office has been in contact with several states, including the governors of Utah, Oklahoma, Michigan, Iowa, New York, West Virginia and Pennsylvania about providing shelter for Louisiana evacuees. Perry's office said arrangements also were being made to bring cruise ships to Galveston to help house Louisiana residents. More ships could be stationed in Beaumont and Corpus Christi.

Texas has been taking in refugees since Wednesday. By Saturday, Perry warned the state was nearing its limit. About 100,000 Louisiana residents are staying in hotels and motels across the state and another 139,000 are being temporarily housed in 137 shelters throughout the state from the Houston Astrodome to El Paso.

Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt said she didn't know how many refugees might ultimately end up in other states. "Gov. Perry has been heartened by the number of governors who have called him," Walt said.