Gulf Coast Disaster Recovery

Almost 4 years after the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes, the region continues to face daunting rebuilding challenges. To date, $19.7 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds have been appropriated for Gulf Coast rebuilding assistance -- the largest amount in the history of the program. This is a report on: (1) how Louisiana and Mississippi allocated their shares of CDBG funds; (2) what difficulties Louisiana faced in administering its housing recovery program; and (3) what human capital challenges Louisiana and Mississippi encountered and the efforts taken to address those challenges. The author interviewed fed. and state officials and reviewed budget data, fed. regulations, and state policies and planning documents. Tables and charts.

Gulf Coast Disaster Recovery: Community Development Block Grant Program Guidance to States Needs to Be Improved

Almost 4 years after the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes, the region continues to face daunting rebuilding challenges. To date, $19.7 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds have been appropriated for Gulf Coast rebuilding assistance-the largest amount in the history of the program. GAO was asked to report on (1) how Louisiana and Mississippi allocated their shares of CDBG funds, (2) what difficulties Louisiana faced in administering its housing recovery program, and (3) what human capital challenges Louisiana and Mississippi encountered and the efforts taken to address those challenges. GAO interviewed federal and state officials and reviewed budget data, federal regulations, and state policies and planning documents.

In Sept. 2008, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav struck the Gulf Coast producing widespread damage and led to fed. major disaster declarations. Earlier this year, heavy flooding resulted in similar declarations in 7 Midwest states. Experiences from past disasters may help states and local governments better prepare for the challenges of managing and implementing the complexities of disaster recovery. This report reviewed 6 past disasters -- the Loma Prieta earthquake in N. Calif. (1989), Hurricane Andrew in S. Florida (1992), the Northridge earthquake in L.A., Calif. (1994), the Kobe earthquake in Japan (1995), the Grand Forks/Red River Flood in N. Dakota and Minnesota (1997), and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast. Illustrations.

Explores how such disasters as Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill have taught important lessons about post-disaster recovery, in a positive report that illuminates outstanding economic, environmental and social challenges. Original.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program Experienced Challenges with Gulf Coast Rebuilding