Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own
breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an
appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is
raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican
as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us
to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry
our successes and zest for living to future generations.
St. Bernard Blames MR-GO for Flood
Parish weighs suing Corps of Engineers
By Manuel Torres
Source:
Times-Picayune
St. Bernard/Plaquemines Bureau
Blaming the
Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet for most of the flooding in St. Bernard Parish during Hurricane Katrina, parish officials said they are
considering suing the Army Corps of Engineers and the New Orleans Dock Board, which respectively maintain and use the shipping channel.
The Parish Council on Monday authorized the administration to consult with attorneys about whether the parish should sue the agencies, saying the MR-GO
served as a corridor for Katrina's surge to reach St. Bernard neighborhoods. The Aug. 29 hurricane flooded the entire parish.
Some of the water entering the parish also came from breaches in the levees on the Industrial Canal. But some officials say the water from the MR-GO was
responsible for the brunt of the flooding.
"We've tried everything to get the corps to look at MR-GO as a hazard," said Councilman Mark Madari, who sponsored the resolution suggesting the suit.
"Since they don't listen to our pleas, I think it's time for us to consider a lawsuit."
Corps spokesman Alan Dooley on Tuesday said the agency had no comment. Officials with the Dock Board could not be reached.
St. Bernard officials have for years criticized the MR-GO, a shipping channel to the east of the parish extending from the Intercoastal Waterway to the Gulf
of Mexico, saying it would give storm surges a direct route into the area. They said Katrina proved their argument.
Corps officials, however, have said that Katrina's surge, estimated at more than 20 feet, would have flooded the area with or without the MR-GO. The surge
topped a 17-foot-tall levee along the shipping channel, leaving portions of it nearly destroyed.
Council Chairman Joey DiFatta said the parish will first ask District Attorney Jack Rowley if his office can handle a potential lawsuit. Private attorneys
would be hired on a contingency basis, he said.
Officials said they may discuss the issue at a town hall meeting scheduled for today at 10 a.m. at the Council Chambers in the government complex in
Chalmette.
Related stories:
- Class-Action Suit Seeks MR-GO's End
- Letter to Mitch Landrieu RE: Closure of MRGO
- Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Unlikely to Close
- Katrina May Mean Mr-Go Has to Go
- MRGO, Land Loss, & the Threat of Hurricanes
- MRGO, The Washout
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