The TV show "Insomniac" did an episode on New Orleans. On of the spots visited by the host, Dave Attell, was a pumping station where he spoke with the operator and stated up the (extremely loud) pump. The pumping equipment did not seem noticeably antiquated. It's not surprising that the pumps are no longer made. There probably not enough call for building-sized pumps to keep a factory operating.
I remember that episode. He also shot some nutria on the levees.
I've been waiting for some cable show to bring on Attell for his expert opinion on the situation in New Orleans. He probably knows more than some of the people they've had on.