FEMA and the DHS launched a transparency effort in 2008. The New Orleans School system drew particular attention. Another fine Google Maps application powers this system. The image shows the status of the school system as of February 2008.

Click to see the current data.

If you actually look at the data a disturbing pattern emerges. FEMA has obligated enormous amounts of public money and the state is not taking advantage of that money. Why? One school, Kennedy High School, which was failing to serve its students before the storm, has over $14 million available in FEMA funds and remains CLOSED. Why? This looks like another classic mismatch between intentions and action.

FEMA may be doing a good job of covering its own assets with this website, but are they serving the public?