(The U.S. Department of Transportation issued the following news release on September 17.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation continued its activation plans to support affected states and communities that might receive storm damage from Hurricane Isabel.
The department’s Crisis Management Center (CMC) was activated at 7:00 a.m. this morning. 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 regions in coping with Hurricane Isabel and its effects on the region’s transportation system.
— Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) repair crews have been dispatched to 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.
— Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) personnel from North Carolina and Georgia are supporting the DOT Evacuation Liaison Team. The team coordinates closely with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Army Corps of Engineers on evacuation planning for high-intensity hurricanes.
— FHWA continues to aggressively assess state needs for anticipated emergency relief.
— The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) reports that Colonial Pipeline will shut down pipelines between Richmond and Norfolk, VA, between noon and 3:00 p.m. today. Above-ground storage tanks in the Richmond area that are in low-lying areas have been drained empty, and tanks located at higher elevations were filled to prevent flotation. The pipeline carries refined fuel for military ships in Norfolk. The shut-down is part of the state of emergency declared by Virginia Governor Warner.
— Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspectors have begun closely monitoring bridges and low areas for indications of high water, washouts, or track debris that could affect service.
— FRA reports that East Coast railroads have activated hurricane operational plans and are deploying locomotives and equipment away from the storm’s anticipated path, and railroads are pre-positioning work crews and materials to make emergency repairs.
— The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is helping to coordinate the movement of power utility vehicles from Chicago through Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
— The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has installed a driven plate anchor system in the James River to provide a strong mooring for the National Defense Reserve Fleet at Ft. Eustis, VA. The driven plate anchor system has a much higher holding capacity than other types of anchors. Each plate anchor has a holding capacity of approximately a million pounds and this system provides a high safety factor, helps the ships withstand high winds and other forms of inclement weather.
— MARAD has oil spill response equipment and crews at Ft. Eustis, VA, to survey the fleet site immediately after the storm to determine the extent of damage.
— MARAD has hired tug boats to be on standby in the event the fleet encounters storm-related troubles.
— MARAD reports that all Southeast Atlantic Region ports have activated hurricane preparedness procedures, monitoring the hurricane track, and adopting necessary safety and security plans.
— The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is in close contact with more than 50 transit agencies along the Eastern Seaboard to coordinate information, updates and strategies in response to Hurricane Isabel.
— FTA reports that all transit buses and other agency vehicles are being refueled in advance of the storm. Supplemental fuel supplies have been delivered and back-up generators are being tested.
— Transit agencies are in contact with local police to identify areas of flooding and to clear storm drains on tunnels and are setting up evacuation services for the elderly and others if needed.