Natural Disasters Hurricane Katrina Destroyed Term Paper

An effective public transportation system has several positive effects including reducing local and regional energy expenditures; reducing dependence on fossil fuels and foreign energy supplies; improving the quality of life in the region as a whole; linking New Orleans with surrounding regions more effectively to stimulate clustered economic growth; and reducing income disparity by increasing access to jobs, public services, and educational institutions. An effective transportation system is also tourist-friendly and New Orleans has historically relied on tourist dollars as a large percentage of its economy. Finally, a networked transportation system will create jobs.

One of the great challenges in rebuilding New Orleans is overcoming the overwhelming setbacks that have already occurred during the rebuilding process. Rescue efforts were hampered by federal mismanagement of FIMA; the displacement of residents has never been fully remedied by state and federal government; insurance companies have stranded their customers, leading to deep and potentially irreversible economic depression in the region. New Orleans is at a pivotal point in the rebuilding process. If enough positive action is taken now, the city can avoid misallocating precious funds.New Orleans must rebuild itself as a socially just, economically viable, and progressive American city.

References

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