Pleasure pier in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Photo by Sandy Rosenthal
Shown here is one of many ways the Dutch make water a part of life. In this photo I took from a walkway bridge, you can see a “pleasure pier” built for citizens to enjoy the beautiful canals of Amsterdam.
While touring the Netherlands with Senator Mary Landrieu on a congressional delegation visit, HJ Bosworth Jr and I saw how, historically, the Dutch have made the decision that absolutely they will protect their citizens from flooding.
Then the Dutch make spatial and engineering plans that protect, but also allow water recreation and enhance citizen enjoyment of water’s beauty. They plan in ways that minimally impact the environment and wildlife. And they continually reevaluate their plans.
But always, it goes without saying that the Dutch WILL protect their people (not just reduce risk).
The Netherlands shares a many similarities to the state of Louisiana. Both are river deltas, both have huge ports, seafood and energy production, and both MUST deal with water if they are to survive. Ours is a natural partnership.
But there is an ocean of difference on water protection/management policy between the Netherlands and the United States. And this is something that must be examined if south Louisianans are to continue to live here.
Click here for story in New York Times.
I am quoted early in the article.
How do the vertical heights of the “design surges” for each location compare?? That is, how much higher is the water during the “design storm” at both the Netherlands and New Orleans???
How do other storm parameters compare between the two locations; such as windspeeds, precipitation, storm durations, etc????
What is the “depth to bedrock” at the Netherlands and New Orleans??
I read with great interest the email sent to me regarding a trip to the Netherlands to see how the Dutch constructed their system to live along side mother nature. I remember after New Orleans was a wash in flood waters, members of the city council went to see this same structure. Although, I asked my city council person “what happened” with the information gathered, and if New Orleans was going to consider a similar co-existence. I never received an answer. I still do not know what happened to all that “we are going to go for it, and if the Dutch can do it we can do it.”
I am not as hopeful as I once was living in New Orleans, and I lack the confidence in our elected officals to undertake such a momumental task. I guess the politicians have followed suit as other members in leadership positions and have constructed their “Katrina get-a-way homes.” while the rest of us sink or swim. With a heavy rain fall, our streets flood, and our canals overflow. Maybe we should move to the Netherlands while the politician work everything out.
Thanks for sharing the article.
Sincerely,
Barbara