Donald Powell today announced on March 28, 2006 that levee repairs in the New Orleans area would not cost just $3.1 billion as previously expected but would cost an additional $6 billion to provide protection against a 100 year storm. Sounds like the Corps is finally waking up to the extent of the problem. Now they understand the levees aspect of the surge protection issue. They haven't yet recognized the role of coastal restoration.

Funding is not currently authorized. Our congressional delegation snapped to attention and asked for the President's help getting Congressional approval for the money. Jindal and Blanco took the opportunity to lobby for OCS money.

Furthermore he announced that USACE certification of the levees would be necessary before the FEMA floodmaps could be released. This looks like a new hoop to jump through. Ray Nagin complains that the feds are just throwing roadblock after roadblock in the way of progress.  The new certification requirement explains why FEMA is delaying the maps until summer. Without the additional levees, or at least commitment to build the levees, FEMA might drastically increase the requirements for flood insurance.

What is this all about? Could it be reaction to the tension crack disclosure and ASCE criticism or is it just layers of contracting? Did someone in DHS get all exercised and say by God we're going to get this right!

I still have a few important questions. Does it include the pumping stations at the mouths of the three Orleans drainage canals-no, that was previously requested, just not yet approved? Does it address the short term recommendations of the BNOB levee infrastructure team - somewhat, bu the Industrial canal dam must not be included unless it it part of the NO East protection? Does it deal with temporary pumping and ponding needed to prevent rainwater flooding that Jefferson parish has been so worried about - probably not since Old Metarie is considered satisfied? How about those safe houses? Does it close MRGO - maybe? Does it envision the storm gates at the Rigolettes - almost certainly not since thats a Cat5 item.

The breakdown of the recommendations making up this $6 billion provide some clues:

• Old Metairie and New Orleans - $0, these are already requested
  
• East New Orleans would cost $710 million. 
• St.Bernard-Lower 9th Ward - $1 Billion.  
• East Jefferson-St. Charles -$386 Million
• West Jefferson - $657 Million
• Algiers- Belle Chase - $129 Million
• Belle Chasse & Algiers Lower Coast - $161 million
  
• That would cover 99 percent of the population. However, if you add in Plaquemines Parish, the cost doubles with another $2.9 billion with $1.7 billion of that for river levees far south of the populated areas.
  

Most importantly does spending this much money begin restore the wetlands by authorizing some big freshwater diversion projects? Donaldsonville? The answer to that appears to be a resounding NO.

If you don't approve the Plaquemines portion and instead use some of that money to remove Mississippi River levees in that area and just use levees to protect populated areas like Venice you could start rebuilding the swamp. Sen Mary Landrieu initially voiced opposition to any plan that would abandon any part of Louisiana to nature.

Is anybody looking at the big picture? From what I can tell the Corps has been spending big money repairing the river levee in lower Plaquemines Parish. Don't the coastal repair experts say those levees need to be removed? And adding another $3 billion seems like lunacy unless it is for wetlands restoration.

There are just so many layers to this thing. It is unbelievable!