[backhoe]

The hub is offshore, so tankers didn't have to come into port. But it was the only one of it's type. Seeing what's going on in New Orleans, I think maybe it's a great thing that it'll never be the same again. I do suspect that the old, high parts of the city will continue to be kept, just because they aren't that damaged (unless they get burned down.) But will New Orleans be the jewel? I bet it's now BR's turn to shine.

I vaguely recall it being "somewhere offshore"-- thanks for the clarification.

I can certainly see salvaging some of the historic parts- as for the rest, three to six months ( probably more ) of being partly or wholly submerged in brackish water will render the point moot. All the wiring and much of the piping will be ruined, and as far as structural integrity goes, who knows? Even steel, masonry, and concrete don't do well in water unless primed and sealed for it. It's going to be a bloody mess.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

So much of New Orleans has been destroyed (or was in the process of being consumed) by termites, I'm surprised so much of it is still standing.

[Grendel9]

The more I read and listen, the more I'm jumping
on the Idea Wagon that building a new port OUTSIDE
the hurricane zone makes more sense than trying to
salvage and rebuild NO. For the folks living down
there such a measure would be a staggering emotional
crisis (as if they're not at that point now).
But to rebuild and be under the constant threat of
Mother Nature repeating her violence in the same
area makes no sense.

As for the homeless...that idea of each Church
community sponsoring one family is a great one.
I know the members of my Church would be more
than willing to transport a family to our community,
get their kids settled into our schools, provide
housing and guarantee Dad/Mom a job. We've done
it before several times.