Via the NYT: In New Orleans, Money Is Ready but a Plan Isn’t

Billions of federal dollars are about to start flowing into this city after President Bush on Thursday signed the emergency relief bill the region has long awaited. But, with the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaching, local officials have yet to come up with a redevelopment plan showing what kind of city will emerge from the storm’s ruins.

As frustrating as that may well be, it is hardly a shock. Getting Congress to appropriate billions of dollars in the aftermath of a massive natural disaster is not all that difficult a feat. Proper planning as to how to use that money wisely, however, is another process entirely.

Clearly the hard choices and visionary thinking needed for New Orleans is lacking:

No neighborhoods have been ruled out for rebuilding, no matter how damaged or dangerous. No decisions have been made on what kind of housing, if any, will replace the mold-ridden empty hulks that stretch endlessly in many areas. No one really knows exactly how the $10.4 billion in federal housing aid will be spent, and guidance for residents in vulnerable areas has been minimal.

Reading the whole piece gives one a sense of a lack of planning and vision, along with a lack of leadership from Mayor Nagin, emanating from the city of New Orleans.