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January 9, 2006 8:45 AM, EST

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merican Trucking Associations said Saturday it will host its 2006 National Truck Driving Championships as scheduled in New Orleans this summer, even as the Crescent City continues its struggle to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

ATA said the annual event will take place as scheduled Aug. 15-19. The group said about 400 professional truck drivers from across the country will visit the city for the annual event. The competition was last in New Orleans in 2000.

"The trucking industry and our professional drivers were first on the scene when Louisiana needed emergency help," said ATA President Bill Graves.

"Our New Orleans competition will be a great showplace to not only demonstrate their safe driving skills but also that truckers will help when needed — anytime, anywhere," said Michael Baker of Usher Transport in Louisville, Ky., chair of this year’s championship committee.