Angel Flight®America (AFA), the largest charitable air transportation organization in the world and the primary coordinator of the nation's general aviation response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has issued a nationwide appeal to all State Governors, according to AFA Chief Operating Officer Ken Rusnak. The Governors are being urged to develop a crisis relief program vital to our nation's preparedness for the next disaster, in whatever form it comes, by designating portions of the interstate system around every major city in every state for use as emergency air fields.
"In 1956, President Eisenhower signed legislation establishing the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. The Interstate system was originally designed so that one mile in every five must be straight, usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies," said Rusnak. "However, when we contacted those in charge during Katrina with this idea, we were summarily dismissed and our ability to deliver aid was severely hindered because airports were flooded and aircraft were unable to land."
PR Newswire
"In 1956, President Eisenhower signed legislation establishing the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. The Interstate system was originally designed so that one mile in every five must be straight, usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies," said Rusnak. "However, when we contacted those in charge during Katrina with this idea, we were summarily dismissed and our ability to deliver aid was severely hindered because airports were flooded and aircraft were unable to land."
PR Newswire
