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Up one levelNew research published on arsenic contamination in Gulf coast soil
A new article titled, "Quantities of Arsenic-Treated Wood in Demolition Debris Generated by Hurricane Katrina" finds significant soil contamination in Gulf coast soil due to wooden debris from Hurricane Katrina. Article by M. Rotkin-Ellman, G. Solomon, C. Gonzales, L. Agwaramgbo, and H. Mielke.
Newseum Plans Katrina Exhibit
The Newseum, Washington D.C.'s interactive museum on the history of news, is collecting artifacts for an exhibit on Hurricane Katrina slated for 2010.
Louisiana 'GO-Zone' Bonds Not Selling Well — July 29, 2009
Local officials in New Orleans are having trouble selling 'GO-Zone' bonds—a tax-exempt incentive offered to encourage reinvestment in post-Katrina neighborhoods—because of tight credit markets and a lack of viable investors. State officials are considering extending the deadline, currently set at the end of 2010.
FEMA Slow in Reacting to Formaldehyde in Trailers — July 23, 2009
According to a report filed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not display a sense of urgency in reacting to reports of formaldehyde in trailers housing victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many of those housed complained of bloody noses, blackouts, headaches, and other more severe problems due to formaldehyde, a colourless, strong-smelling gas that is classified as a carcinogen.
Louisiana Housing Prices Up from 2008 — July 13, 2009
The Local Market Monitor, a national real estate market assessment firm, reports Louisiana is one of only five states to show an increase in home prices in the past year. With a 3.1 percent gain, only New York (3.88 percent) and West Virginia (5.27 percent) outpaced Louisiana's housing market gains. The national Housing Price Index (HPI) for the past year was down 10.2 percent.
New Orleans Population Closer to Pre-Katrina Levels, Fastest Growing City in 2008 — July 1, 2009
New Orleans was the country's fastest growing city in 2008. According to a recent U.S. Census report the city grew from 210,768 to 311,853 in the twelve months before July 1, 2008. Despite this growth population levels in New Orleans are still well below the pre-storm level of 484,674 (2000 Census).
Military Report Details 2005 Levee Breaks and Models Future Flood Risks for Louisiana — June 29, 2009
A final draft of a report commissioned by the Army Corps of Engineers analyzes the 2005 levee breaks during Hurricane Katrina and offers a risk assessment of the Louisiana area for future floods. Officially called "Performance Evaluation of the New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana Hurricane Protection System," the study estimates the metropolitan area will remain at risk of flooding from future hurricanes, even after the construction of a new line of levees, pumps and floodgates expected by 2011.
Louisiana Underwater By 2100 — June 28, 2009
A study published in Nature Geoscience concludes the Mississippi Delta, including much of the Louisiana coastline, will be underwater by 2100. According to the research, a combination of rising sea levels and land subsidence will cause all land surfaces below one metre in elevation to be converted to open water or marsh. Researchers Michael D. Blum and Harry H. Roberts conclude that even if sediment loads are restored significant drowning in the Mississippi Delta is inevitable.
LSU Clinical Education Building Receives $10.8 million for repairs — June 17, 2009
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) have announced over $10.8 million in federal funding for the Louisiana State University (LSU) Clinical Education Building. The Katrina-damaged facility will receive funding for repairs to the facility, including mitigation measures to build back storm resistance.
FEMA releases $13 million of Katrina funds — June 15, 2009
Over $13 million in federal grants have been released for the State of Mississippi for repair and restoration of properties damaged by Hurricane Katrina. This includes $1.167 million for the City of D’Iberville for restoration of public utilities; $3.536 million for the Bay St. Louis School District for relocation of North Bay Elementary; $6.773 million for the City of Pass Christian for various repair and restoration works; and $1.987 million for the City of Long Beach for repairing and replacing roads and bridges.
FEMA Funds Emergency Repairs To Plaquemines' Levee — May 28, 2009
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released $3.5 million in public assistance funding Plaquemines Parish millions as reimbursement for repair work done to one of its non-federal levees - the Citrus Lands Levee, which helps protect property owners from flooding in the Plaquemines' communities of Ironton and Pointe Celeste.