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REGION: North America
TOPIC: Weather & Natural Disasters
Online NewsHour
FORUM
Posted: September 1, 2008

Rebuilding New Orleans Levees

 Forum Introduction
Maj. Gen. Don T. Riley; photo courtesy U.S. Army The Gulf Coast landfall of Hurricane Guastav has higlighted the level of preparedness in New Orleans and the region for a major storm system. A top official in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers answers your questions on the rebuilding and reconstruction of levees in New Orleans.
QUESTIONS
How much money and time would it cost to achieve cat. 5 storm protection?
Wouldn't it make more sense to relocate New Orleans?
How does wetlands restoration factor into flood control plans?
Who should be in charge of flood control and protection systems in New Orleans?
What is the state of the levees in Plaquemines Parish?
Steve of Columbus, Ohio asks
When will we learn that no amount of engineering skill will withstand the fullest power of nature? Given the total damage and potential for future damage and repair, don't you think the relocation of the city would be a wise decision?
ANSWERS
Maj. Gen. Don Riley responds:

I agree that all man-made systems have certain design parameters that can be exceeded by Mother Nature. We can reduce but not eliminate risk - along with other governmental agencies we have made substantial efforts to educate the public about these risks and to ensure that all parties involved share responsibility for reducing risks to the public. Therefore, it was heartening that most of the public understood these risks and took action to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Gustav.

Regarding relocation, the questions you raise are best directed towards your elected representatives. Our job as the Corps of Engineers is to implement the projects directed and funded by Congress, and they have not asked us for a recommendation on relocation of New Orleans.

Next Question and Answer
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Main: Rebuilding the Gulf Coast
REPORTS
Economic Impact
Rebuilding Rural and Urban Areas
Lasting Environmental Effects
Finding Liability and Fixing Blame
Reconstructing Infrastructure
RESOURCES
Archive
Rebuilding New Orleans Levees
FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
   Lesson Plan
The Gulf Coast Region
OTHER IN-DEPTH COVERAGE
Main: After Hurricane Katrina
Main: Hurricane Rita



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