STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
RE: Recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane 
Katrina on Communications Networks, Order, EB Docket No. 06-119, (FCC 07-
107)
I support our action today to move forward on a number of the recommendations 
made by the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on 
Communications Networks (Hurricane Katrina Panel).  Our work is particularly timely, 
given that the Atlantic Hurricane season begins tomorrow, June 1, and scientists at the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center 
are projecting a 75 percent chance that hurricane activity will be above normal this year.
Moreover, it is particularly helpful that our efforts regarding emergency 
preparedness have broad applicability, given the need to plan for not only natural 
disasters such as hurricanes, but also for incidents like terrorist attacks, influenza 
pandemic outbreaks and industrial accidents.  Any of these emergencies could result in 
sudden and significant shortages of personnel, a surge in communications traffic, possible 
disruptions to communications networks (due to increased telecommuting during an 
influenza pandemic, for example), and lack of manpower to immediately repair affected 
communications networks.  I am pleased that we have built upon the lessons learned from 
the Hurricane Katrina disaster to promote more effective, efficient response and recovery 
efforts, as well as heightened readiness and preparedness. Thank you to all involved.