Posted on 09/15/2005 4:05:17 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
NEW ORLEANS – Faced with the nation's costliest natural disaster, President Bush said Thursday the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast will be one of the largest reconstruction projects the world has ever seen and the federal government will cover most of the costs – estimated at $200 billion or beyond.
"There is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again," the president said in remarks prepared for an address to the nation.
Bush committed the federal government to covering "the great majority of the costs" of rebuilding critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and water systems.
"Our goal is to get the work done quickly," Bush said.
Trying to make up for a flawed disaster response that embarrassed his administration, Bush said he considers detailed emergency planning a "national security" priority.
The federal government and other layers of government must have clear, up-to-date plans for responding not only to natural disasters, but to outbreaks of disease and terrorist attacks, he said. Bush said the plans must encompass the evacuation of large numbers of people and providing adequate food, water and security.
Bush was to announce his recovery plan in a nationally broadcast speech from Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter. Before flying to New Orleans, he stopped in Pascagoula, Miss., at the largest oil refinery shut down by the hurricane, a Chevron Corp. facility that suffered severe damage and is expected to remain off-line for months.
"The work that has begun in the Gulf Coast region will be one of the largest reconstruction efforts the world has ever seen," the president said in his prepared remarks. "When that job is done, all Americans will have something to be very proud of – and all Americans are needed in this common effort."
Addressing the hundreds of thousands of evacuees forced from their homes by the hurricane, Bush said, "You need to know that our whole nation cares about you – and in the journey ahead you are not alone."
While Bush was not expected to put a pricetag on the disaster, costs are certain to climb to $200 billion or beyond in the near term. The final tab could approach the more than $300 billion spent thus far on U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Congress has already approved $62 billion for the disaster, but that is expected to run out next month.
Bush faced the nation at a vulnerable point in his presidency. Most Americans disapprove of his handling of Katrina, and his job-approval rating has been dragged down to the lowest point of his presidency also because of dissatisfaction with the Iraq war and rising gas prices. He has struggled to demonstrate the same take-charge leadership he displayed after the Sept. 11 terror attacks four years ago, but Republicans fret that he waited too long to address the nation with reassurances.
Bush offered the nation's thanks to all the rescue and aid workers who pitched in to help. "And tonight I also offer this pledge of the American people: Throughout the area hit by the hurricane, we will do what it takes ... we will stay as long as it takes ... to help citizens rebuilding their communities and their lives."
He said Washington would forge a close partnership with Louisiana and Mississippi, the city of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities "so they can rebuild in a sensible, well planned way." Bush said taxpayers expect the work of repairing public infrastructures "to be done honestly and wisely – so we will have a team of inspector generals reviewing all expenditures."
Bush to Say New Orleans Will Rise Again
Terence Hunt and Nedra Pickler - ap writers
True ... where else can you give a girl a few beads, she shows you her tits, and then you have a few more sips of beer and pee in the street ...
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (L) and Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid (D-NV) speak on the Hurricane Katrina disaster at the Capitol in Washington, September 15 , 2005. Pelosi and other Democratic lawmakers criticised the slow government response to victims of Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding efforts. REUTERS/Jason Reed
Senator David Vitter (R-LA) (C) speaks about the rebuilding of Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina September 15, 2005 on Capitol Hill during a news conference with other members of the Congressional Delegation from Louisiana. (Chris Kleponis/Reuters)
ROFLMAO!
Great. Another generation of takers will be born.
Bush to Say New Orleans Will Rise Again
Terence Hunt and Nedra Pickler - ap writers
The squeaky wheel always gets the grease.
Hell, they could rebuild the city on top of $1 bills for that amount of money.
Offset by budget cuts in what other areas?
None, I presume.
Same reason people are going to try and justify this move.
I don't think I can watch tonight. I might scream at my TV and I don't need to scream at my TV anymore than I have the past 14 days. Father help me.
Sooner or later, our taxes are going up.
I mean tax cuts can and do pay for themselves, but not for all this plus the Highway Bill, the Pill Bill, NCLB, etc.
When people look at Bush's presidency from now they would bet a dollar to a donut that he was a democrat by his spending programs
Not just any Democrat but a Democrat with a Democratic House and Senate.
That should be a hundred years from now
America's money grows on trees -it's a dang bottomless pit here. No wonder everyone wants to live here.
Every President, after a disaster, has opened up the check book. But this is getting real silly already.
Ok, if their going to spend the money, tear down those homes that are in trouble and build a memorial park. DO NOT rebuild for a 2nd catastrophe.
Go north and rebuild some housing.
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