Louisiana Gets $4.2 Billion

Governor Kathleen Blanco and Mayor Ray Nagin returned from Washington with the promise of an additional $4.2 billion in block grants from the federal government. The money will be spent on improving housing. However, Blanco hinted that the money will be used for housing in areas that are not vulnerable to flooding.

Once again, the levees are put on the back burner. This new housing is not going to matter very much if the levees are overwhelmed again. Furthermore, this money is not going to help rebuild devastated areas; it appears that the city of New Orleans is willing to sacrifice the people in the outer areas of the city in an effort to make the city smaller. The neglect of both the levees and the people in heavily flooded areas of the city is unacceptable and will surely be regretted later on.

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One New Orleans Levee Board?

An article on the 2theadvocate.com website today spoke about the possibility of creating the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority to oversee the eight local levee districts. Governor Blanco came out in support of the idea, and said that she would like the plan to take effect on Sept. 1. The Authority would consist of an 11-member panel selected by Governor Blanco and confirmed by the state Senate. The nominees would come from a committee representing engineers and other experts. The Authority would have the power to contract on behalf of the local levee districts, as well as the ability to force them to construct and maintain flood drainage projects.

All I can say is that it is about time! The creation of one powerful board should not even be a matter of politics; it is common sense. The disjointed system of levee maintenance that existed before Katrina were rife with patronage and inefficiencies. It is high time that a board with the power to enact real change and staffed by credible experts takes charge. The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority must become a reality. Help that body complete its mission! Help Rebuild New Orleans and Sign the New Orleans Levees Petition.