MOBILE, ALABAMA, WITH MINIMAL DAMAGE, IS READY TO HELP

Sep 2nd, 2005

Mobile, AL - Resilient Mobile, Alabama, has been in the path of many hurricanes before, and once more this 300-year-old seaport has sustained relatively little damage. With approximately 85 percent of hotel and motel room inventories functioning, most will be used for recovery efforts. Leon Maisel, President and CEO of the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, said "Mobile's first priority will be to assist evacuees, FEMA and rescue workers. Our flood waters have receded, leaving us deeply concerned for our friends and neighbors to the west. Our prayers go out to them."

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation website, all major transportation routes to Mobile are open, with only a few lane closures affecting vehicle travel to and within Mobile. The first major delays are expected when approaching the Mississippi state line on either I-10 or US 90 westbound.

With no oil leaks in Mobile Bay, Carnival Cruise Lines has resumed sailings from the Port of Mobile. The HOLIDAY will return for a cruise on September 3. City services are steadily resuming to normal functions and should be operating fully in the near future. Most major attractions will be open within the next 45 days. According to Bobby Bostwick, Director of Cultural Development for the city of Mobile, Mobile's annual music festival, BayFest, will be held in downtown Mobile as planned on Oct. 7 - 9.

The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, previously seen on television with turbulent high water surrounding it, has already reopened.

For more information visit www.cityofmobile.org and www.mobilebay.org.

Or contact:
Harriet Sharer, 251/208-2017
or 251/401-1034