New Orleans: The Path To Recovery

With Mardi Gras season underway, New Orleans takes a great step forward on the road to recovery-

AP: New Orleans rebuilding plan takes shape

Long-awaited plans to rebuild New Orleans and compensate hundreds of thousands of hurricane victims took shape on Monday as Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco announced details of a program that would give homeowners up to $150,000.

It is the clearest recovery plan to emerge since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast nearly six months ago and follows a White House request to Congress last week for an additional $4.2 billion in federal funds for Louisiana...

I recommend reading the full article... This really is the most clearly outlined plan they've released thus far. It's just a start, and this will take a great deal of time, but it's a sign that they're ready to rebuild. As Gov. Blanco said, "We're just beginning the process". The article also notes that uninsured citizens in the flood zones will be (mostly) covered in this plan as well. The article states that "Owners will be able to use the funds to rebuild, repair, relocate or accept a buyout of their mortgage". The plan is pending approval from Congress and Blanco does intend to get feedback from residents as well.

In related news, Harry Shearer has been blogging from Mardi Gras. An interesting read:
-What Kind of Carnival?
-A Carnival Diary, Part One
-Carnival Diary, part two
-Carnival Diary, part 3

[PS- Found these eye-opening videos of the aftermath in St. Bernard Parish: Katrina Videos]