notes from across the pond

Don Powell, President Bush’s Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding, gave a fairly uninspiring address. Hardly surprising, given he is an employee of the Bush Administration, but in sharp contrast to the tone of the day so far.

Past 2 years have been a rollercoaster
Deep frustrations and great hope

My prevailing sentiment remains one of hope and optimism
Schools are reopening
More and more citizens are coming back to neighborhoods
NOLA has best flood protection in its history

Feds have provided resources to lay foundation for future
Almost $115bn made available
Everyone is a levee expert
Efforts have resulted in tangible improvements

Not enough
We should never have to revisit such a terrible tragedy again
President Bush agreed to $6.9bn for 100 year protection by 2011
+ …
= $15bn

Supported LA efforts to obtain OCS revenue
Will begin flowing 2010
Expected to reach $800m per year by 2017
Will be used for coastal restoration. All know key.

Fed providing $18bn for housing, policing, education, infrastructure
Important investments
Ensure all result in tangible success

Fed doesn’t control how fast local leaders spend funds
Local leaders must set priorities
Not to say Feds blameless
Legit concerns about FEMA
Devoted great deal of time and energy to improving transparency and correcting probs
Streamlined processes and demonstrated flexibility

LA will ultimately receive $6.3bn
LA had access to 80% these funds to spend on infrastructure
Only $2.6bn has reached local people

“We have to put the plans in place before we can spend the money.” - Dr Blakely

Instituted transparency initiative, which will make clear where Fed funds are being spent
Will equip citizens to hold leaders accountable
Will have another tool at Federal level to deal with roadblocks

Future Gulf Coast lies in hands local people
Will meet direct responsibilites as appropriate
True transformation will not happen without sustained leadership at local level

Already on display in education area
Working to redeem system that was failing b4 Katrina
Sec.Edu has invested $45m
Thank Landrieu for championing these funds

Local leaders are working against considerable odds to chart new course for public education in NOLA
Job training got big boost this week - Jobs Corps reopened in NOLA

I still believe history of Katrina will be one of rebirth and redemption.
Will not happen without local and heroic leadership.
I ask you to press on and push others into the arena.