[Conservative Texan Mom]

The city of Galveston Texas endured a category 5 hurricane 105 years ago. It is commonly referred to as the Storm of 1900. Obviously, this was a time when there was no advance warning system. The highest area of Galveston was a mere 8 feet above sea level, most of the island was around 3 to 4 feet above. The storm surge blew through destroying homes and raking the debris across the island bulldozing all in it's path. The bridges connecting the island to Houston were washed out. It is estimated that around 8,000 people perished. In the aftermath, one thing was certain. Something had to be done about the geography of the island, or this would certainly happen again. Thus came the seawall, and raising the island some 15 feet. Now, consider, this was over 100 years ago. They brought in dirt from the channel and harbor, manually jacked up building and homes and filled in basements. Through hard work and determination they succeeded in this endeavor. Some 15 years later Galveston was hit with another hurricane of similar strength. I believe it was a category 4. They suffered 20 deaths, if memory serves. If the people of New Orleans have the determination and backbone to do it, they can prepare their city for what will surely happen again. If not, then there will be more tragedy to follow.

[inquest]

And now for the most important question: How much federal funding did Galveston need or receive from the federal government in order to rebuild? Less than my daily budget, I'd wager.

[Sweetjustusnow]

Absolutely. This has been my point all along. Cities will always be where there is a port. It is necessary for transportation infrastructure to get goods from port. This means people must be there. Where there is a thriving trade, such as there is at ports, people must also live. We have the technology. Now if we just have the foresight and will to use it.

[El Gato]

By the same token, Galveston never really recovered, and steadily lost prominence the young upstart city of Houston. (Which was only about 10-15% bigger in population than Galveston in 1900)