How much Federal monies haven't been used yet, and is there an outline for using them? Not sure about that but I do know that NO has paid back money.
Are insurance companies coming through with their payments to owners yet; I know that's been a hangup - hence delay in declaring federal monies for certain projects. Some. Most, no. They are lowballing everyone. For the money they say they want to give, not many can rebuild on it.
How much was raised by charities and what is it being spent for? Ask Red Cross. A portion of every dollar spent went to their admin.
Are the levees being repaired properly and will they hold? Is it worth it to rebuilld the houses? Yes and yes. They are putting in flood gates, making the canals taller and better reinforced. From my understanding, it wasn't that the walls were not strong enough but that they were designed poorly and the upkeep was not done right. The water got between the canal walls and pushed it out. Not every house has to be redone but I think the ones that can, should be.
Are the houses and buildings being redesigned and rebuilt for higher ground?
Yes. New buildings have to be up to the new codes from the get go. Older houses, if they aren't already built with flood proofing have to be raised to meet the new coding.
Are job training programs being offered to those displaced from their jobs in New Orleans? Are jobs being recreated? Some jobs are being recreated. The construction business is booming obviously. Places that didn't have as much damage are busy. I'm not sure about the training programs but I'll ask and look around. If not, there should be! Sadly, the fishing, shrimping and oil business took a beating.
Are families being encouraged to stay together, rather than be displaced to other cities where they may not be able to make a living or adjust? Not really.
Are people who lost their famlies being given psychological treatment; are the elderly being placed in appropriate facilities? No on the psychological treatment. I'm not sure about your second question. Like are there nursing homes open? Prolly. Many? Doubt it.
Are hospitals and other facilities being rebuilt and reopened? There were 11 hospitals. Another just opened not long ago and there are now 3.
Why haven't many neighborhoods or ruined homes been even cleared out? Red tape, red tape, red tape!!!! No people!! Some folks are just now allowed to even enter some neighborhoods to get whatever they can salvage. No equipment, no time after working, No help....lots of reasons. AND they will no longer pick up debris after Dec!!
Why on earth hasn't more been done in 18 months? Lots has been done. Not many boats in trees anymore. No limbs covering everything, blocking streets and in houses. Not as many blue tarps everywhere. Palm trees have been replanted. Buildings have been torn down, shopping malls leveled and bulldozed. On my street I was told that out of the 12 houses, 11 had tarps and trailers, now there are none. We are East of NO and got hit pretty hard with winds. Not many big old pine trees any more. Most were snapped off mid tree. I still have a pretty blue small tarp on my chimney, looks all festive! The piece to fix it has been ordered....in JUNE. It might get here by Crimbo. No worries, we haven't even had to have our heat on yet.
Here on the Northshore there are houses being built by the hundreds. One subdivision near me has 136 new homes. I won't be able to afford one but I'm sure someone will.
You just won't hear about the good stuff. That don't make good news, that's boring news.
I thank the Lord every day I didn't live in New Orleans when Katrina struck; but who knows, something could happen to me, we have tornadoes here all the time.
I'd not wish it on anyone, but you are right, natural disasters happen everywhere.
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