US Sen. Landrieu (D-LA), New Orleanians Tour Dutch Levees
Four years after Hurricane Katrina, still no Category 5 levees protecting Louisiana, particularly, New Orleans. Well, US Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and delegates including Sandy Rosenthal of Levees.org recently visited Holland to learn about their world-class levee system. I knew Sandy when I lived in New Orleans from 1998-2003 and again in 2005; she and I had been aerobics instructors together at Tulane University’s Reily Recreation Center.
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Email from Sandy:
We saw how, historically, the Dutch have made the decision to absolutely protect their citizens from flooding.
Then the Dutch make spatial and engineering plans that also provides jobs, allows recreation with water and ways to enjoy water’s beauty. They plan in ways that minimally impact the environment and wildlife. And they continually reevaluate their plans.
Holland shares many similarities to the state of Louisiana. Both are river deltas, both have huge ports, seafood and energy production, and both MUST deal with water for survival. Theirs is a natural partnership.
But there is an ocean of difference on water protection policy. And this must be examined.