WASHINGTON - While the president-elect is relaxing, workers are busy planning what could be the biggest celebration ever in Washington.

President-elect Barack Obama (web | news | bio) is expected to draw a record crowd. The city forecast four million to attend -- that number now stands at about two million.

"There's 58 different agencies that are part of all the planning for the inauguration, so really every single logistical hurtle or detail that can possibly be conceived is being discussed," said Kevin Griffis, of the Presidential Inauguration Committee.

The Department of Health is working on a plan to handle any issues.

"In the event that something does happen it's going to put a strain on our emergency rooms because we don't have that many," said Michael Jones.

Planners say they have medical care both on site and off covered. Another group readying their forces -- the D.C. Department of Corrections (web | news) . The department has extra food, medical supplies and space to take on an influx of those taken into custody.

Metro says after the new year they'll test the power supply, hoping to run eight car trains -- that can carry about 1,500 -- on all lines.

"We're not taking any chances. We know that there are going to be a lot of people here and that's why we want to make sure we have every single rail car available," said Steven Tauven Kibble of Metro.

But with basically every agency doing everything possible to handle two, four or millions more, can the city itself handle it?

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"I don't want the city to run out of money because too many people came in or there are not enough services provided or anything like that," said District resident Josh Sok.

They say they can, taxing as it may be, it will work. And residents are ready to see the four day weekend take shape.

"I'm sure the policeman are bracing themselves for the traffic and for the overload of people, but we're bracing ourselves for the excitement," said District resident Venus Johnson.

 

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