Simpson Questions Army Corps on Katrina and Future Reconstruction Efforts

Simpson Questions Army Corps on Katrina and Future Reconstruction Efforts

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today participated in an oversight hearing on the flooding of New Orleans and surrounding areas as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The hearing also explored the Army Corps of Engineers' role in recovery and reconstruction of the Gulf Coast.

Simpson used the opportunity to express his concern about moving too quickly to rebuild low lying areas of New Orleans and how federal funds will be spent in the region. "I'm very concerned that we are going to rush into rebuilding mode, at the urging of local authorities, and put people and taxpayers right back in harms way," said Simpson following the hearing. "I think we need to take a real hard look at how New Orleans will be reconstructed, where people will rebuild their homes, and what role the taxpayers will play in supporting these efforts. In my opinion, not one dime of taxpayer money should be spent to rebuild infrastructure, or anything else for that matter, in areas that will remain significantly below sea level and be exposed to massive flooding again in the future."

Simpson also expressed his dismay with a recent request by Louisiana's two United States Senators for $250 billion in disaster assistance - including billions of dollars that have nothing to do with Hurricane Katrina or recovery efforts. "I am appalled at the ridiculous amounts of money for projects in this bill that have nothing to do with recovery efforts," said Simpson. "This is a generous nation willing to give to those in need. This nation is not, however, tolerant of price gouging - be it by large corporations or greedy politicians."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/id02_simpson/katrina_reconstructionfunding.html