I'll tell you what... let's compromise. Fill it in with dirt to give it some positive z. Then lay out the road network to mimic the old city. Then rebuild.
'I'm starting to get irked by the bozos who are suggesting that New Orleans shouldn't be rebuilt. IMHO, that's a pathetic attitude of a loser. I was raised to have a strong, American "can do" attitude. Piddly excuses why we can't or shouldn't rebuild New Orleans don't set well with me. '
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Remember the last huge earthquake in Oakland? Whole freeways torn down , whole neighborhoods leveled? Seems thay had that rebuilt in 6 months.........ahead of schedule, IIRC..