Hurricane Katrina: Strategic Planning Needed to Guide Future Enhancements Beyond Interim Levee Repairs

Hurricane Katrina’s storm surge and floodwaters breached levees and floodwalls causing billions of dollars of property damage, and more than 1,300 deaths. GAO reviewed the Army Corps of Engineers (1) progress in repairing damage to hurricane protection projects by June 1, 2006; (2) plans and estimated costs to make other repairs and complete five existing hurricane protection projects; and (3) plans and estimated costs to add enhancements and strengthen hurricane protection for the region. GAO recommends that the Corps develop a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan that incorporates all elements for rebuilding and strengthening the system to ensure that specified levels of protection are constructed in a cost-effective manner, within reasonable time frames. GAO also recommends that the Corps establish an independent task force to help support and guide its ongoing and future repair efforts. (TISP Newsletter)