Rebuilding New Orleans Levees

Forum Introduction

		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.

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?

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.

Main: Rebuilding the Gulf Coast

Economic Impact

Rebuilding Rural and Urban Areas

Lasting Environmental Effects

Finding Liability and Fixing Blame

Reconstructing Infrastructure