CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency notified New Hampshire this morning that it was suspending plans to send 500 Hurricane Katrina evacuees to New Hampshire.

FEMA advised state officials this morning to suspend preparations, and said it would provide 96 hours notice if it decides at a later date to send evacuees to New Hampshire. According to FEMA, the victims of Hurricane Katrina were reluctant to relocate temporarily so far from home.

"We in New Hampshire were prepared to welcome the victims of Hurricane Katrina with open arms, but I can certainly understand their desire to stay as close to home as possible," Gov. Lynch said." We will continue planning in the event the situation changes, but we will not make any purchases or put equipment in place until we hear more from FEMA."

In the three days since FEMA requested the state host 500 evacuees, state agencies, led by the Office of Emergency Management, worked closely with local officials and the Red Cross to prepare for the arrival. The planning included creating a welcome center that would provide food, clothes, hot showers, communications and entertainment, medical and counseling services, as well as planning for longer-term temporary housing.

"I want to thank the countless state officials, local officials and nonprofit officials and volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the past several days to prepare for evacuees. I also want to thank the people and businesses of New Hampshire who have contacted my office, emergency management and the American Red Cross with generous offers to help in this effort," Gov. Lynch said.

Gov. Lynch also encouraged people across New Hampshire to continue to support relief efforts through donations to charitable organizations such as the American Red Cross and the State of Louisiana Disaster Recovery Fund, or by registering for future volunteer training either through the Red Cross or through New Hampshire Citizen Corps at http://www.nhcitizencorps.org.