PORTLAND - Gov. Ted Kulongoski said today that federal officials have asked him to be ready for the possible arrival of about 500 evacuees this weekend.

The governor received a call this morning from the Federal Emergency Management Agency designating Oregon as a "receiving state" and asking for preparations to remain in place for the potential arrival of hurricane refugees on Saturday, a spokeswoman said.

"Oregon has stood by ready to help at any time our fellow citizens affected by this terrible tragedy," Kulongoski said.

Meanwhile, the last Oregon National Guard soldiers arrived in New Orleans yesterday, boosting the number of Oregon troops taking part in the relief effort to nearly 2,000.

"They will have multiple tasks," said Sgt. 1st Class Spencer Martin, Oregon National Guard spokesman. "Primarily right now, the focus is search and rescue. Then they will probably start patrolling a section of the city."