New Orleans survived Hurricane Katrina, but did not escape the collapse of the levies. No doubt you have seen the devastation many times of the flooding that occurred in the hurricane’s aftermath. The recovery has been slow, painful, corrupt, inexcusable, and any number of adjectives you wish to use. I found a new meaning for FEMA on my last two visits to New Orleans; Fix Everything My Ass (that is my favorite).

I was in New Orleans one month before Katrina, one year after Katrina, and just two weeks ago. The city was a booming place before the storm, but a broken city afterwards. New Orleans was a disaster waiting to happen, but incompetence and corruption made it worse. Finally, a problem that had been looming could not be avoided.

There are three potential disaster areas along the Gulf coast. They are Houston-Galveston, New Orleans, and the Tampa Bay area. However, New Orleans was always considered the worst case, because so much of the surrounding area is below sea level.

So much has changed because of Katrina. First, the population before Katrina was 454,863, but it was reduced to 187,525 afterwards, a drop of almost 60%. The population today is now near 300,000. Second, crime has increased. Violent crime has increased 31% while non-violent crime has increased 9% since Katrina. This is deceiving since some of the categories have seen a decrease in crime. In fact, last year saw decreases in the rates for murder, simple robbery, assault, and auto theft. Finally, many businesses have closed, forced out by the lack of business.

I spent much of my time recently in the French Quarter. Most of the hotels are back to normal and business seems good. However, it is clear that they are doing better only because of the convention business. There were 3 conventions in progress near my hotel while I was there. The same can be said for much of the business in the French Quarter. Thank goodness for conventions. Walking the streets one observes a number of stores that are vacant. I sometimes wonder how the other businesses are making it.

There are the usual places like Café Du Monde. You may know this as the home of beignets, French doughnuts. Ann and I ate there everyday and it was always packed. Jackson Square is still a bustling place as is Bourbon Street. There are still plenty of art and antique stores on Royal Street. Harrah’s Casino is a very busy place especially on weekends.

The French Quarter area is back to life for the most part as is the port of New Orleans. Ships are constantly moving up and down the Mississippi River. However, much of New Orleans is still reeling from the aftermath of the hurricane. There are a number of help wanted signs in stores and restaurants. The problem for many of the workers is the lack of affordable housing nearby. Transportation is still difficult into and out of New Orleans. Many of the major thoroughfares are under construction. Life is improving, but still difficult for the residents of New Orleans.

Much work remains to be done in rebuilding New Orleans. It does not help that the federal government has moved slow in this effort. It also does not help that a handful of local and state officials are under indictment for corruption in the wake of Katrina. I believe that the slow effort is also due to the lack of a plan for New Orleans. They seem intent to rebuild rather than redesign New Orleans.

New Orleans must exist for the good of the country. It is vital for the exports that pass through the port and the gas supplies that pass through the area on its way to South Carolina. It wasn’t until Katrina that the public began to understand the importance of New Orleans to the economy of this country.

I hope that someone or group will come to their senses and redesign New Orleans. It can not be simply rebuilt as it was. This invites another disaster like Katrina and next time it could be worse. It is not just a problem for New Orleans, but for all of southern Louisiana. The wetlands and bayous are disappearing at an alarming rate. The encroachment of the Gulf of Mexico endangers all of the area to greater flooding and destruction from hurricanes. This in turn threatens the economic well-being of the region and the country.

I was teased by several co-workers about the dangers of crime before leaving on vacation to New Orleans. While it was a concern, it did not prevent me from enjoying a wonderful and historic city. Simply put, I used common sense. Don’t let what you hear and see in the media deter you from visiting this city. It thrived on tourism before Katrina and needs even more now. We found much to do in the four days we spent. It was an enjoyable time and I am looking forward to going back.

Note: You have heard of Mardi Gras, but have you heard of the French Quarter Festival. Ann and I happened to pick to 24th anniversary of the festival to go to New Orleans. We did not know it would be the weekend we were there. However, it was a wonderful celebration and the weather was fantastic. I strongly urge you to try to make it to the festival which will be held next year April 17-19. The weather is usually great at this time of year with few bugs and dry conditions.