CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that New Hampshire has offered to host 500 evacuees from Hurricane Katrina.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency requested this weekend that New Hampshire consider hosting evacuees.

"New Hampshire stands ready to assist in any way we can our fellow Americans whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina," Gov. Lynch said. "I am confident that people of our great state will pitch in to warmly welcome and assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina."

The evacuees will initially be welcomed at the Air National Guard base at Pease International Tradeport. The state is working with FEMA to coordinate an arrival date. FEMA has said the evacuees may need housing for up to six months.

Gov. Lynch met today with representatives from the state's Office of Emergency Management, Health and Human Services, Education, Safety, Administrative Services, Employment Security, Justice, National Guard, and Transportation, as well as the American Red Cross, to begin developing a comprehensive plan for the arrivals, including:

• Establishing a welcome center to provide immediate support services such as medical evaluations, counseling, temporary identification, and basic necessities (bedding, food, clothing, and personal care products);
• Temporary housing;
• Longer-term support services; and
• Meeting the educational needs of children

It is expected that the federal government will pay for most services.

"As we receive more information from the federal government about the needs of these evacuees, I will be asking the people of New Hampshire to help provide assistance," Gov. Lynch said. "As they have throughout this disaster, I am confident that our people will pull together to support the evacuees."