September, 2005 Don't come back yet! RITA's coming.  OK, you came back. Well have some MRE's and a free tetanus shot.

An initial attempt to repatriate the citizens of New Orleans to their city was announced on September 14, then stimied by Hurricane Rita. The official return started one month after the storm.

Nagin says some residents can return Friday

By Robert Travis Scott on Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Capital bureau

BATON ROUGE – New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin announced a three-stage re-entry plan for city residents and businesses Wednesday, saying the West Bank and pockets of the east bank are safe for return but also cautioning citizens about limited infrastructure and potential health risks.

Re-entry begins today when businesses will have full access to their properties in the approved zip codes, with the second phase coming Friday when residents in those same codes are allowed to return permanently.

The approved zip codes are: 70112, 70113, 70114, 70115, 70116, 70118, 70130 and 70131. Security checkpoints will be repositioned to allow entry.
Re-entry begins today when businesses will have full access to their properties in the approved zip codes, with the second phase coming Friday when residents in those same codes are allowed to return permanently.

The approved zip codes are: 70112, 70113, 70114, 70115, 70116, 70118, 70130 and 70131. Security checkpoints will be repositioned to allow entry.

“New Orleans is back open,” Nagin told a meeting of state lawmakers, parish council members and citizens at the state Capitol Wednesday afternoon. “If you want to stay, you’re free to stay” in those designated areas as of Friday, Nagin said.

The final phase will occur Oct. 5 when residents in all other areas of the city – except the Lower 9th Ward – can visit their properties, but cannot stay. The Lower 9th Ward will remain closed until further notice because it is flooded.