I presume the 8/27/05 letter may have been necessary in order for President Bush to declare a state of emergency in Louisiana on Saturday (8/27/05).
Thousands Remain To Be Evacuated
White House Shifts Blame to Local Officials
By Manuel Roig-Franzia and Spencer Hsu
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, September 4, 2005
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/03/AR2005090301680.html