Levees.org’s new map and data published by InfrastructureUSA

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

InfrastructureUSA.org, an online community focused on generating a dynamic national conversation about America’s deteriorating civil infrastructure has published Levees.org’s new data and research on the benefits of levees.

Levees.org recently obtained new data from FEMA confirming that more than half the American population lives in counties protected by levees. Levees.org commissioned a researcher (Ezra Boyd) who found that counties with levees had populations that are wealthier and had less unemployment.

You can see the published article here.

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Ivor van Heerden announces suit against LSU

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

John Barry, Sandy Rosenthal and Harry Shearer at Ivor van Heerden's press conference Feb 10, 2010

This morning, attorneys for Ivor van Heerden filed suit in the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge against Louisiana State University for firing him in retaliation for his repeated criticisms of the Army Corps of Engineers.

The announcement came at the Westin Canal Place in New Orleans. There were many speakers and supporters in the room including John Barry, Oliver Houck, Harry Shearer, Marc Levitan, Dr. Mtangulizi Sanyika, and Jed Horne. What they contributed to Ivor’s story ranged from amazing to eye popping to tear jerking.

I hired a video grapher who filmed the entire event, and soon will be releasing their stories, too.

But for now, the important thing is Ivor van Heerden had the courage to represent many others who were intimidated into silence with the threat of losing their jobs or worse. Thank you Ivor van Heerden for doing what is right and at enormous personal expense.

Click here to see and /or download a copy of the lawsuit.
https://levees.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/van-Heerden-lawsuit.pdf

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Ivor van Heerden files suit against LSU for wrongful termination

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

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A lawsuit against Louisiana State University alleging harassment and the wrongful termination of a well-known professor and hurricane expert for his outspoken criticisms of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for levee failures after Hurricane Katrina will be filed on Wednesday, February 10 in Louisiana state court.

Dr. Ivor van Heerden, his attorneys and several supporters including Sandy Rosenthal, founder of Levees.org will appear in a news conference to discuss the allegations against the university. The news conference will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 10 at the Westin Canal Place, Magnolia Room (3rd Floor), 100 Rue Iberville, New Orleans.

WHO: Dr. Ivor van Heerden, former deputy director of the LSU Hurricane Center, David Marshall, attorney for Dr. van Heerden (Katz, Marshall & Banks, LLP)

WHAT: News conference to announce lawsuit against LSU officials for alleged campaign of harassment and wrongful termination of Dr. van Heerden. The suit will allege that the defendants terminated Dr. van Heerden’s employment at LSU by manipulating the policies and procedures governing faculty appointments.

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