Duncan Announces Hearings on Rebuilding New Orleans and Providing Hurricane and Flood Protection for the Nation

For Immediate Release

October 6, 2005               

Washington, D.C. - House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Chairman John J. Duncan, Jr., today announced three hearings to examine the effects of Hurricane Katrina and flood risks facing the nation. 

"A Vision and Strategy for Rebuilding New Orleans"

October 18, 2005

10:00 a.m.

Rayburn House Office Building Room 2167. 

Joint hearing with the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Response

"Expert Views on Hurricane and Flood Protection and Water Resources Planning for a Rebuilt Gulf Coast"

October 20, 2005

10:00 a.m.

Rayburn House Office Building Room 2167 

"Reducing Hurricane and Flood Risk in the Nation"

October 27, 2005

10:00 a.m.

Rayburn House Office Building Room 2167

The Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee has jurisdiction over hurricane and flood damage reduction, navigation, and other water resources programs of the Army Corps of Engineers, including ecosystem restoration. 

"I am pleased to announce today that the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will hold a series of three hearings this month related to Hurricane Katrina and flood risks facing the nation.   These hearings will help shape the Congressional response to these matters," Duncan said. 

"Rushing to spend billions of taxpayer dollars on new projects for additional protection around New Orleans may be wasteful if we do not rely on a deliberate process that results in comprehensive projects that are technically feasible, environmentally sound, and economically justified.

"The regular order established through the Water Resources Development Act process makes certain that the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast get the appropriate projects, thus making the best use of American taxpayers' money.

"Congress cannot simply authorize billions of dollars without understanding how the money will be spent and ensuring it will be used responsibly. 

"We will first hear from the State and local community to understand their thoughts on rebuilding New Orleans.  We will then examine the options for providing hurricane and flood protection for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast and how each option impacts rebuilding, navigation, and plans for restoring the Louisiana coastal ecosystem.  Finally, we hold a hearing to understand the policy impacts of any decisions that are made and how they related to national hurricane and flood protection needs. 

"These policy decisions must be transparent and justified so that all of our constituents know Congress will address similar situations in a thoughtful manner," Duncan said.   

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