ABSTRACT
The extent of the devastation was clear after the storms hit, as was the fact that the State of Louisiana would need an enormous amount of money to rebuild and restore New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Although the post-disaster chaos, parade of temporary workers, and lack of information made coordination difficult, the process was helpful in many rural parishes, especially those with little planning capacity. The nation, however, was wary of sending money to Louisiana. It is important to appreciate the cloud of suspicion that hung over the state and its requests for federal assistance in the fall of 2005. Despite the intrigue, some federal, state, and private-sector professionals came together in various venues to attempt to create a coherent planning strategy for rebuilding the state. Federal Emergency Management Agency had proposed holding a "Recovery Planning Day" later that month to involve Louisiana residents in the planning process.
