Missouri’s Relief Effort More Than Needed

Missouri has put out the welcome mat for those fleeing the ravages of Hurricane Katrina – But, not as many may be coming as first thought. Governor Matt Blunt has participated in a conference call with other Governors and federal officials. Federal authorities now believe the shelters being offered by various states exceed the demand and might not be needed. The old Boeing facility at Lambert Airport in St. Louis is set up for 2,000, while the Kansas City Downtown Airport has 500 beds ready. Already, more than 4,000 refugees from Katrina’s devastation have taken up temporary lodging in Missouri, many with relatives and churches. Blunt acknowledges recovery efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi haven’t gone as well as hoped. Blunt says such problems have disclosed that the bureaucratic structure in place doesn’t work very well.