Spring Break
Crowds fill hotels, gas scarce
By: Sadie Michalk
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: News
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Wayne Larson, the communications director for College Station, said there would be an impact on residents for weeks on gas, grocery stores and traffic.
"It will be a challenge, but with the combined spirit of Aggies and residents eager to help, we do not anticipate any problems," Larson said.
He said the people of College Station should feel fortunate and be patient when it comes to restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations.
Bryan Emergency Management Coordinator Jerry Henry said the Brazos Valley is better off than surrounding counties in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ike and is fully equipped to assist evacuees.
"Generally, Brazos County is in good shape," Henry said. "There have been some gas station shortages but I think most, if not all, do have fuel."
Henry said a lack of electricity in surrounding counties and evacuees might have a small impact on residents.
"Other than an influx of people and a higher demand on goods at the moment, we are in good shape," Henry said.
Hotels in College Station and Bryan have been housing evacuees from Houston, Galveston and surrounding areas since late last week. Electricity has been slow to return to impacted areas, leaving evacuees with no choice but to remain in hotel rooms.
Ron Fulton, general manager of the Hampton Inn, said that out of 133 rooms, 20 are occupied by hurricane evacuees.
"Most of them [evacuees] are coming and going," Fulton said. "Many are waiting to the last minute to see whether or not they can return home."
Fulton said most evacuees he has encountered have made other accommodations if they plan to stay for a longer period of time. He said he had only turned away one or two evacuees because of their desired length of stay or large family size.
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