Rhyne Piggot with USA Today has just released a fine compilation of videos spotlighting New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish 5 years after Katrina exposed deficient hurricane protection.
USA Today invited Levees.org to appear in two of the videos released today.
In this footage shot earlier this year, we were invited to comment on the safety of the region’s levee system.
This first video features me (Sandy Rosenthal) and spokespersons of the Army Corps of Engineers commenting on the new flood protection.
This next video features Levees.org advisor Roy Arrigo of Lakeview New Orleans, and long time dedicated supporter Jan Hirschey of Arabi, St. Bernard Parish.
Mr. Arrigo and Ms. Hirschey both did an admirable job!
I can appreciate the Historical Marker that was placed at the 17th Canal Breach but I don’t understand why the Industrial Canal, Lower 9th Ward, breach was not the 1st marker. This breached not only once but twice with Rita. The lower 9th ward & parts of St Bernard were hit a double blow. I think the 1st location choice was a poor one!
Dear Marianna,
The Historic Plaque grew out of a Lakeview citizen’s effort to educate tourists and passers-by about the flooding. An informal sign on the private personal property of Roy Arrigo (a few houses south) grew and blossomed into the idea of installing a Louisiana State approved plaque. Like many things in life, it was a process that started with just a kernel of an idea.
With Mr. Arrigo’s assistance it took nearly a year to learn to navigate the process of getting approval for the Historic Plaque, getting it manufactured and finally installed. Now, with experience to draw on, future plaques could become reality in far less time.
It’s Levees.org’s intention to hold fundraisers to raise the funds for future plaques at other breach sites. And if any neighborhoods wish to sponsor plaques on their own, Levees.org is prepared to reach out and guide them and advise them in this important effort.
Sandy Rosenthal, wife, mom, Who-dat and founder of Levees.org