[Justa]

I think it's pretty simple. They're trying to conserve their search, rescue and refugee-support resources. There's really not much left on the pennisula, making support of anyone staying a lot of (potential) work.

"Whereas, the continuing presence of survivors located on Bolivar Peninsula will hamper and impede ongoing rescue efforts;
Whereas, the continuing presence of survivors located on Bolivar Peninsula will contribute to or exacerbate a public health emergency on Bolivar Peninsula; and "

[CindyDawg]

I think it's pretty simple. They're trying to conserve their search, rescue and refugee-support resources. There's really not much left on the pennisula, making support of anyone staying a lot of (potential) work

All that is true but....those returning have got to be figured in the plan. People, Texans...need something to do. Waiting and worrying just frustrates people and makes them plan to re-build better and stay the next time. Instead of looking at them as a nuisance that will just get in the way and compromise S/R...maybe they could tap in to the extra help. JAT

[af_vet_rr]

I think it's pretty simple. They're trying to conserve their search, rescue and refugee-support resources.

Except that has nothing to do with Homeland Security restricting the air space to the news media helicopters - they didn't do that in the past, and the media can fly around Galveston (so it's not a matter of too much air traffic since Galveston's airspace would be busier).

[af_vet_rr]

Channel 13 is flying around the area, and it looks worse than I thought:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/livenow?id=6384042

They have seen a few rescue helicopter, but they think SAR helicopters have been through there.