From the Chronicle:

Houston officials announced plans to open Reliant Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center to shelter hurricane evacuees after the Astrodome reached capacity. Mayor Bill White announced today that Reliant Center will hold up to 11,000 evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. […] “We want this exhibition hall open right now,” the mayor said. “If it entails someone suing us, then OK.,” the mayor said. “Then (they can) explain to the American public why.”