White House Details New Orleans Protection Plan

President Bush has released a Fact Sheet detailing his administration’s plans for rebuilding and improving the New Orleans levee system in order to protect the city from future flooding. Along with restoring and improving the protective levee system, the $3.1 billion plan will restore surrounding wetlands, an essential element of floodwater management.

A total of $1.6 billion is being allocated for reconstruction and improvement of the New Orleans levee system, and wetlands restoration. An additional $1.5 billion will be spent to complete additional previously authorized levee projects and to address the main causes of the flooding during Katrina, namely the failure of the existing system and the flooding associated with the interior canals. The White House hopes the flood protection efforts will “promote a favorable climate for reinvestment and new economic enterprise.”

According to the Fact Sheet, officials hope to have the flood control measures “substantially completed” within three years. Repairs to the damaged levee system should be completed by the end of 2005.

Also See:
Government Updates Katrina Response Figures
Congress Approves $10.5 Billion in Katrina Aid