These numbers still don't add up properly......
the problem is Louisiana funds committed outside Orleans. Overall, after 19 months less than half of the funding committed has actually been spent. Less that a quarter of that has done any good.The federal government committed $110 billion to five states for three storms (Katrina, Rita, Wilma). While the money has been allocated, it has been slow to arrive and hard to use. Red tape in the form of "Project Worksheet" requirements have to be met. Local match is a problem that has not been solved. HUD and FEMA (DHS) often have different and contradictory requirements.
Louisiana was allocated $59 billion of the $110 billion total. $18 billion was spent providing immediate post-storm relief. This paid for Coast Guard rescues, the evacuation, evacuee assistance, health care and the like. That leaves $41 billion.
The graphic above shows just the money being spent in New Orleans (Orleans). It also shows $41 billion, but it is not the same $41 billion the state is getting. This $41 billion includes $13.75 billion of private homeowner's insurance. $6.43 billion of federally subsidized flood insurance and $20 billion of various federal funds.
- Most of the CDBG and levee money has not yet been spent.
- The $5.7 billion for levees is being spent through 2010.
- The SBA money is in the form of loans which must be repaid with only the interest subsidized. Qualification for loans follows normal credit authorizations.
- Exclusive of insurance, only $6 billion has been spent on the reconstruction of New Orleans, mostly for debris removal.
There is also no mention in the New Orleans numbers of funds spent on those trailers and other temporary living arrangments for evacuees.