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Army readies as Rita takes aim at Texas, Louisiana

September 23, 2005

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Fifth U.S. Army has established Joint Task Force-Rita to help the Federal Emergency Management Agency support state and local authorities in their preparations for Hurricane Rita.

As of 7 a.m. Friday, Rita was a category 4 hurricane, with winds near 140 mph, moving toward southwestern Louisiana and the upper Texas coast, and expected to make landfall by Saturday morning, if not sooner, according to the National Weather Service.

Corps of Engineers lets ACI contracts

In addition to shoring up levies in Louisiana, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the potential impact of Hurricane Rita by pre-positioning personnel and equipment. In addition, the Corps has changed the way it contracts for ice, water, debris removal and temporary power and roofing.

Previously, contracts were awarded after a disaster occurred, delaying response time. Now, the Corps is awarding pre-disaster competitive contracts, known as “Advanced Contracting Initiatives” or “ACI” contracts.

Corps officials say they hope ACI contracts will speed relief efforts.

JTF-Rita to lead DoD relief efforts

JTF-Rita will maintain situational awareness and synchronize efforts of Defense elements with FEMA and the state of Texas, officials said. They said the intent is to provide immediate support to enhance the relief efforts of the federal, state and local governments while mitigating the suffering of those citizens impacted by the devastating force of Rita.

DoD assets will be employed in support FEMA when local and state assets are overwhelmed or exhausted, and when DoD assistance is requested by the Primary Federal Agency and subsequently approved by the secretary of Defense. The impact of providing such assistance will not adversely affect military preparedness, officials say.

JTF-Rita also will work closely with the National Guard and authorities in Texas to ensure unity of effort between the state and federal responses. JTF-Rita, headquartered at Fort Sam Houston, is commanded by Lt. Gen. Robert T. Clark.

(Editor’s note: Information compiled by David Vergun from news releases by U.S. Northern Command and the Army Corps of Engineers.)