Anticipating the threat from Hurricane Isabel and storm damage to transportation infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Transportation today activated special plans to support affected states and communities.

Crisis Management Center Activated

At 7:00 a.m. this morning (Thursday, September 18), the department will activate its Crisis Management Center (CMC).

Drawing on expertise within the department by building on information from states and aviation, marine, rail, highway, pipeline and transit authorities, the Department of Transportation Crisis Management Center will assist the affected regions cope with Hurricane Isabel and its effects.

Hurricane preparations and responses include repair crews being dispatched and pre-positioned at critical aviation and rail sites to quickly restore service, coordinating with the military for rescue flights, assessing needs for emergency relief, and securing the National Defense Reserve Fleet at Ft Eustis, VA.

• On Monday, September 15, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established a special hurricane position within the Air Traffic Control system to coordinate any necessary military and civil aircraft evacuations.
• Repair crews have been dispatched to the seven major affected airports and navigation sites to restore service after the storm passes.
• FAA will work with the Department of Defense to coordinate military flights in civil airspace for rescue purposes.
• The FAA's Southern, Eastern and New England Regions have taken initial storm precautions such as ensuring that all backup generators in ATC facilities and all vehicles have been fueled and are ready for service in the event of electrical power outages.

FMI: www.dot.gov, www.faa.gov