Katrina 'Reshuffled' The Fortunes of Gulf Coast Cities

"Mobile's fortunes were changed a year ago when Hurricane Katrina hit, destroying much of the coast but striking the metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 here with little more than a glancing blow."

"The sudden twist of fate leaves Mobile poised to play a far bigger role on the Gulf Coast. The storm added considerable strength to Mobile's already reviving economy, as evacuees snapped up apartments and houses and disaster officials set up shop."

"Mobile's resurgence highlights how Katrina, while taking a considerable human toll, also reshuffled the regional economy. Cities like Houston and Baton Rouge, La., have seen their economies flourish since the storm. Other cities, like Gulfport, Miss., and New Orleans were hobbled and remain so."

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