Continuing from yesterday's Katrina recap: One of the big issues is the infrasture issues in the area. Roads are in horrible shape. I mentioned water and electricity issues. Water quality is a big problem in New Orleans. Internet is hard to find in residential areas. While I was down there I saw a fair amount of utility work going on. Lots of holes and backhoes being run still.
On the other hand the hotels, restaurants and tourist sites are in pretty good shape. The hotel we stayed in, Astor Crowne Plaza, was very nice. There were some water/sewer issues but nothing major. The people were very accommodating. I think they appreciate any tourists and ask when you are coming back and to send your friends. It was the same at every stop. Every place seems to be sparkling with new paint, furnishings and equipment. The Marriott had put in new elevators and I saw some unique technology. The elevator controls were digital. You would press the floor number that you want to go to and the elevator system would tell you which elevator to go to. If the floor was a residential floor as opposed to a public floor (restaurant, convention, meeting) you had to swipe your room key before the elevator would work. Neat-O!
Everyone has a new car since the car insurance paid off. However the home insurance pay offs in New Orleans haven't been so forthcoming. Since the flooding was caused by levee failures rather then direct wind and rain, there is much debate on who will pay what. Those that were insured were mostly under insured. Even if you have the money, its usually not enough to fix or rebuild. Skilled labor rates are high and contractors are at a premium as you can imagine. Modular home technology is taking hold. Homes are being built away from the Gulf Coast and then shipped in pieces to the location and secured. Appliances are installed and utilities hooked up. The homes are using 'GREEN' technology to save on materials and future energy costs.
The problem, of course is that not many new homes are being built. Many in New Orleans have to be redone instead of new build. Most don't have the money to do the rebuild. They have mortgage payments in New Orleans and rent payments if they live away from the city. Not many can overcome that double dip and afford to pay extra for a rebuild. Its a world economy and thanks to the Internet and a good transportation system people aren't limited to Gulf Coast suppliers. You can order fixtures or supplies from almost anywhere in the US and keep the high Gulf Coast costs from killing you.
So technology is helping the recovery, but it certainly isn't enough. There is a ton of money needed to help out. Money for people to rebuild, money for infrastructure and money to bring back the business that left. Keep the people of the Gulf Coast in your thoughts and prayers.
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