Why Bother Rebuilding New Orleans

[Occhidiangela]

Hi,
Even if we ignore all the emotional issues, that is a very complex question.  That there needs to be a seaport somewhere near the mouth of the Mississippi is self evident.  But that region is alluvial for a long way up the river.  That whole region is steadily sinking and being replaced by the silt brought down stream.  Wherever the port is located, it must be able to service sea going vessels as well as river traffic.  Too far up the river, and the need to keep the passages dredged will cost more than the hurricane protection further down.

Then there's the whole question of infrastructure.  How much of NO's roads, power lines, distribution stations, etc. have survived?  Considering the situations at other flood sites over the years, I'd guess a lot.  Will it be cheaper to repair and reuse what survived or to start elsewhere from scratch?  And if we throw in the cost of hurricane protection (for I doubt hat it will be possible to build a viable port far enough up river to make hurricane protection unnecessary), will it cost less to repair and upgrade NO's system or build a new one.

Me?  I'm in favor of saving NO and throwing out all the Louisiana politicos.  Don't make the city pay the price for the incompetence and corruption of those in charge of it.  But that just reflects the high opinion I have of politicians in general ;)

--Pete
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Louisiana is Americ'a "special needs" state and always has been. It is the only state that does not adhere to the Universal Commercial Code. (More trivia from a Business Law class . . .) Elements of Code Napoleon are still part and parcel of its laws, but then, elements of English Common Law and the Magna Carta could be said to be embedded in the other 49 states, so that's a wash. ;)

The question of innovative building concepts arises, since the Air Force some years ago had blueprints drawn up for a floating air field that was moored. It was this big bloody floating concrete thing that supported both runways and ramps, as well as some hangars. I wonder if it was an extension of the Mulberry harbors from Normandy days.

Well, there's an idea for harbor facilities. There are already offshore pipelines that take delivery from supertankers.

The question is: what about containers and dry bulk goods? Solve that thorny problem, and you still have to deal with "where do the people who work there live."

Houses on really strong stilts?

*scratches head*

It may be that a smaller, more compact New Orleans is in a better position to withstand cat 4 hurricanes. Or, maybe a rework of the canal/dyke system is in order. That's expensive. :(

Occhi