source= http://www.piclist.com/piclist/2005/09/03/104313a.txt?

Bob Axtell  says:
> The problem is that its really not possible to build a 
> reliable levee system in N.O. because the ground is too far 
> below sea level.  

Or perhaps just not cost effective? I'm sure it could be done, if enough $$$
were flushed into it. But why should we?

> What happens is that water seeps under the levee and 
> eventually washes it out during a huirricane. Even if you 
> pushed the bottom of the levee to 20 meters below sea level, 
> the soil still has NO strength.  
> 
> But the reason this became a tragedy is because of the 
> "cry wolf" problem. Every time a huirricane blew up, people 
> were told to evacuate, and no gamage ever resulted, so people 
> decided (naturally) that the warnings were bogus. This time, 
> they were not. The agencies thought everyone was leaving, its 
> that simple.  

That is one of the better summarys of this issue that I have heard. Kamile
(sp?) cost them 60,000 homes, but I guess they could have taken that as a
slap on the wrist compaired to this one. 

On the other hand, most of the interviews I heard were with people who said
they couldn't find a way to get out, when they decided they needed to. Most
were very poor, didn't have cars, and didn't feel that they could afford a
bus ticket even if seats were available.

> To rebuilt N.O. as it was is would be foolhardy. New 
> Orleans needs to revert back to the river delta swamp it 
> always was. 

While I agree with that assesment, it is likely that millions of federal
dollars will be spent to build nice new, high income housing, at a hansome
profit for the developers who are able to pay off the officials who hand
those funds out. The more we do to watch for corruption, report it, and not
forget it before the next election, the less of that will happen. 

I'm sure a lot of nice new city and other government buildings will also be
publically funded. But again, why?

Is there a good reason to re-build at that specific location? Are there
other places where the needed harbors and ports, and the industry, housing,
etc.. that support them could be constructed?

---
James Newton: PICList.com webmaster, former Admin #3
mailto:jamesnewton@piclist.com  1-619-652-0593 phone
http://www.piclist.com/member/JMN-EFP-786
PIC/PICList FAQ: http://www.piclist.com


-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist