New Orleans says Houston welcome during Ike NEW ORLEANS (AP) (wrkf) - New Orleans would like to return the favor to Houston.

Mayor Ray Nagin says anyone evacuating the Houston area in anticipation of Hurricane Ike is welcome in New Orleans.

Houston set up shelters including opening the Astrodome to New Orleans residents fleeing Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Thousands of people went to Houston, many staying there for months or even years after Katrina.

Mary Beth Romig, of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the city wants to let the people of Houston and the surrounding area know they are grateful.

No shelters have been opened in New Orleans. But Nagin says there are 13,000 to 15,000 available hotel rooms. He says people should just ask for the "Mayor Ray Nagin special" rate. Romig was unable to say what that rate was, but said summer hotel rates were generally lower in the French Quarter and surrounding areas. © Copyright 2009, wrkf