Gov. Perry: Fuel Trucks To Aid Evacuating Motorists On I-45
Mandatory Evacuations Include Airlifts From Houston, Beaumont

POSTED: 1:35 pm CDT September 22, 2005
UPDATED: 1:35 pm CDT September 22, 2005

AUSTIN, Texas -- Governor Rick Perry says fuel trucks are being dispatched 
along Texas evacuation routes to help motorists who are fleeing Hurricane 
Rita.

Perry on Thursday announced the fuel will be available along Interstate 45, 
where some drivers have run out of gas due to the slow traffic flow.

Perry also spoke to President Bush Thursday and asked that 10,000 federal 
troops be pre-positioned to help Texas before and after Rita makes landfall.

That's in addition to the 5,000 Texas national guard troops that the 
governor has called to duty.

Also, Texas authorities have begun airlifting special needs and other people 
from the Beaumont and Houston areas -- about 9,000 folks.

Homeland security officials say those evacuees will be transported to San 
Antonio, Amarillo, El Paso, Dallas, Fort Worth and Lubbock.