Authorities are strictly monitoring re-entry into Jefferson Parish, stopping all vehicles to ask for drivers' identifications and parish-authorized placards that were distributed before the storm.
The parish reopened today at noon for first responders, emergency medical staff and local business people who registered and received Tier 1 and Tier 2 placards.
About 20 cars and their hot, increasingly frustrated drivers waited on the shoulder of U.S. 90, hoping they would get into the parish today even though they don't have official passes. Many had been waiting since early Tuesday morning, and several had strong words for Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard.
"Broussard wants you to jump when he says evacuate, but to come back, it's 'piss on ya!" said a frustrated Rodney Ory, who lives in Harvey.
When Broussard and Nagin ordered Unnecessary Evac 2008 they warned residents who chose to remain that they would be "on their own". As it turns out, those who decided to leave have been left on their own. How much longer can they expect people to sit out on the highway?
Update: Well here's your answer.
S
everal checkpoints in Jefferson Parish where returning residents had been stopped were removed late Tuesday.
Also, parish officials removed the sand barricade on Airline Highway at the Orleans Parish, allowing traffic to flow freely between the two parishes.
Parish President Aaron Broussard said Tuesday the parish would be reopened on Wednesday at 6 a.m. for all residents who had evacuated for Hurricane Gustav.
I'm guessing Orleans will wise up sometime tonight. When we get back to town item one on the agenda is reexamining this "Tier" system.
No comments:
Post a Comment