After SLABBED published the first few posts on Jefferson Parish, I realized I needed a map and when I found a map, the only thing I knew with certainty was that I needed to know more 
about the Parish before I could understand the map. Little did I think I’d find a familiar name common to both the flooding following Hurricane Katrina and the unfolding story of corruption in Jefferson Parish – the name, Aaron Broussard.
Flooding on the east bank has been frequently attributed to the decision by parish leadership to deactivate the stormwater pumping systems and evacuate the operators during the storm. Katrina’s substantial storm surge may have swamped even operating pumping stations but Broussard’s activation of the parish’s “Doomsday Plan” is the most frequently cited reason for the flooding in all areas of the east bank except Old Metairie and parts of Harahan.
A “doomsday plan” indeed! “Water resulting from the backflow through the non-operating pumping stations, as well as storm-related rainwater, remained on the streets and in the homes of residents of Metairie and Kenner for a day and a half…The resulting flooding of Jefferson Parish has been estimated by insurance industry sources at $3 to $5 billion.” Continue reading “The rising tide that’s sinking all ships – the flooding of Jefferson Parish following Hurricane Katrina”