Is New Orleans ready for ICE?

We know people may have concerns about attending ICE 2006 in New Orleans. FSCT has been closely monitoring the recovery progress of the city through regular communication with city officials and personal site visits.

The areas of New Orleans where attendees will be visiting and staying--the Convention Center, French Quarter, and the Warehouse/Arts & Entertainment district--are safe, secure, and have recovered from the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

The following FAQs are intended to address any concerns and questions you might have. The information has been compiled from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and FSCT site visits.

Are the hotels that are being used for ICE attendees in good condition and adequately staffed?

Yes. The hotels reserved for ICE attendees are fully functional and operating without any major problems. All of the official ICE hotels are located in the French Quarter or in walking distance from the Convention Center. To date, more than 27,300 of the 38,000 total hotel rooms in metropolitan New Orleans are open for business. Most of the hotel rooms in the FSCT "block" are already sold out, so attendees are urged to make reservations as early as possible.

How is the clean up of the city progressing?

Within the Central Business and Warehouse/Arts & Entertainment districts, the French Quarter, and Convention Center area, all major clean up and sanitation operations have been completed.

What is the status of the convention center where ICE will be held?

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has undergone approximately $60 million in restoration work and several more millions in renovation upgrades. Most areas of the Convention Center are back in use, with a few remaining sections scheduled to have renovation work completed by November. All of the space that the FSCT is using has been fully renovated.

How is transportation?

The Louis Armstrong International Airport is operational, with 111 flights arriving and departing daily as of June 10, 2006. The number of flights (by 36%) and number of cities served (by 23%) are down from pre-Hurricane Katrina levels, so it is recommended that attendees book flights as early as possible. Ten out of the 13 airlines that flew in and out of New Orleans prior to the hurricane are operating flights.

Transportation to and from the airport is available as normal via Airport Shuttle, Inc., or taxis.

Within the city, the taxicab bureau is reporting that more than 50% of their cabs are back in service, and available on the streets and at the major hotels. Bus and streetcar transportation is also available.

What is the status of health and sanitation issues, such as air and water quality?

Tests of air and water quality have been conducted repeatedly by the New Orleans Department of Health along with the EPA, DEQ, and CDC. According to Dr. Kevin Stephens, Director of the New Orleans Department of Health, test results have shown conclusively that the city is "safe for our citizens and visitors."

Official rating scales for air quality rate New Orleans in the "good" zone. Visit www.airnow.gov for ratings.

Various federal, state, and local agencies have conducted tests on the quality and safety of the water and food products, including seafood, and all have been pronounced safe. As mentioned, all storm debris and other substances including mold have been removed from the core downtown areas.

What if I have a medical emergency while in New Orleans?

Currently, 11 hospitals are open in the metropolitan New Orleans area. The Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, which is just a few blocks from the Convention Center, re-opened in February. It has comprehensive emergency room facilities.

Is there an adequate police presence within the city?

The French Quarter and Convention Center areas are patrolled by the Vieux Carre Police Station, which is fully functional. Many other stations throughout the city are also up and operating. The ratio of police to citizens is currently 1 to 130. Prior to the hurricane, the ratio was 1 to 289.

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Why were National Guard troops deployed to the city?

The presence of the Louisiana National Guard was requested by the Mayor of New Orleans and the City Council on June 20, 2006, to solely support the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) in the outlying neighborhood areas, which sustained the heaviest storm damage and have been experiencing an increase in drug-related violent activity. By having the National Guard patrol these few isolated neighborhoods, the NOPD is able to increase patrols in the central historic areas that include the French Quarter and Convention Center.

New Orleans has always been known for its fantastic restaurants. Is my favorite one open?

There are over 1000 restaurants open, including such popular sites as Brennan's, Emeril's, and Antoine's. Before any restaurant can re-open, it is thoroughly inspected by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals for compliance with all health regulations and safe food handling. Check on the status of your favorite restaurant at www.neworleanscvb.com.

What about area tourist attractions and the overall city activity?

Nearly all of the major tourist attractions are open for visitors, including the Audubon Zoo, New Orleans Aquarium, Harrah's Casino, carriage rides through the French Quarter, nightclubs, paddlewheel cruises on the Mississippi, and numerous specialty tours.

So, is New Orleans ready for ICE?

Absolutely! The New Orleans you know, or have heard about, is ready for business. It's no surprise that the New York Times recently named New Orleans the "Comeback of the Year."

Your visit right now ensures you the unique, cultural travel experience only New Orleans can deliver. Come see for yourself and help celebrate the rebirth of this exciting "Crescent City"!