On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the gulf coast of the
United States, east of New Orleans, with the storm's eye passing within 10 to
15 miles of the city. The effect on New Orleans, along with most of the coastal
areas, were devastating.
In the aftermath of the storm, about 80% of the city, much of which is
below sea level, was flooded. Damages are estimated to exceed $200 billion,
making Katrina one of the most economically costly hurricanes to ever
strike the United States. Reacting to the widespread destruction, the 109th
Congress enacted two supplementary appropriation bills totaling $62.3 billion
for emergency response and recovery needs. Frighteningly, the death toll has
been estimated to be more than 1,200. In addition, tens of thousands of
citizens were forced to evacuate to other parts of the Nation.
Besides taking its toll on the human, social, and psychological fabric of the
city, the storm had a notable effect on the city's economy, its labor market and
dynamics, and its individual businesses. credit
At President Bush's request, Congress has provided a total of $16.7 billion in
Federal funds under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development's Community Development Block Grants program to help rebuild
damaged housing and other infrastructure. This unprecedented program represents the
largest single housing recovery program in U.S. history.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers repaired and restored 220 miles of
floodwalls and levees since September 2005. With a few exceptions, the New
Orleans hurricane protection system is in equal or better condition than it was
when Katrina hit. Levees and flood walls have been armored to
protect against erosion from possible overtopping in several areas, and pumping
stations are being storm proofed. Floodgates have been added at the outfall
canals to protect against storm surge and a tree cutting program on existing
levees for protection is ongoing.credit
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