[JeffAtlanta]

Yes, it is a huge risk. But the port of New Orleans is extremely important to the economy of this country. The Mississippi river is extremely important. Like it or not, people are going to have to live within 20 miles of the Gulf coastline.

I don't have a problem with port of New Orleans being rebuilt with federal loans.

I do have a problem with rebuilding homes in a high flood risk zone for people that are too poor to afford flood insurance. We as a nation should be discouraging people from living close to the gulf coast unless they can afford flood insurance.

[Utah Girl]

Easily fixed. Put that as a requirement to building there (getting flood insurance.)

[Skywarner]

"I do have a problem with rebuilding homes in a high flood risk zone for people that are too poor to afford flood insurance. We as a nation should be discouraging people from living close to the gulf coast unless they can afford flood insurance."

I tend to agree with this statement. However, the process of rebuilding homes, as outlined by tonight's speech, also includes employment opportunities. We're providing empowerment and promoting responsibility and home ownership. Perhaps the details can include some sort of incentives for obtaining flood insurance, or likewise, penalities for not getting insurance.

[hoosiermama]

Most of the home in the flood area of NOLA are not owned by the people who live in them. 70% of the people pay rent....Much of it paid by HUD (that's us). Landlord may or may not pay flood insurance....But if it were my investment I would. I imagine that many were insured for more than they were actually worth (expect as rental property)