Coastal erosion is threatening existing structures at Shell Beach and northern Pismo Beach near San Luis Obispo, California. The Army Corps of Engineers suggests 6 sea walls to protect infrastructure such as two sewage treatment facilities, Highway 101, Price Street, drainage structures and to preserve building setbacks. [Source: SanLuisObispo.com via ASCE SmartBrief. Image: SanLuisObispo.com]
That is the title of a Seattle Post-Intelligencer article on post-Katrina levee issues in New Orleans (by way of ASCE Smart Brief). I think the article is somewhat sensationalized, but they do cite some interesting parallels between the levee reconstruction efforts made after Katrina and the levee construction/reconstruction that occurred after Hurricane Betsy in 1965.
The article also discusses a recent US Army audit with some disturbing although not unexpected findings:
An initial September 2010 target to complete the $14.8 billion in post-Katrina work has slipped to mid-2011. Then last September, an Army audit found 84 percent of work behind schedule because of engineering complexities, environmental provisos and real estate transactions. The report added that costs would likely soar.
A more recent analysis shows the start of 84 of 156 projects was delayed – 15 of them by six months or more. Meanwhile, a critical analysis of what it would take to build even stronger protection – 500-year-type levees – was supposed to be done last December but remains unfinished.
Corps Releases New Risk Maps for the New Orleans Area;
Powell Releases New Costs for 100-Year Hurricane Protection
Administration to work with Congress for additional drainage measures beyond 100-year commitment
NEW ORLEANS (August 22, 2007) – Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Donald E. Powell and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Director of Civil Works Maj. General Don T. Riley today detailed the improved hurricane protection that will be provided to New Orleans area residents once the city’s levees are built to the 100-year level. In addition, Powell announced $6.3 billion of further funding needed for improved protection for the New Orleans area and the Administration’s plan to secure necessary funds to complete the work by 2011.
[Editor] Photo by greenmannowar [/Editor]
Came accross and interesting profile of this gentleman from FEMA who is their top Dam Safety expert. James Demby is the senior technical and policy adviser and program manager for the FEMA National Dam Safety […]
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