Two years after the program's authorization, 500 cottages intended for residents displaces after Katrina have still not been built. Meanwhile, they have cropped up in Mississippi, which faced less damage overall.
"The program was a key piece of evidence offered by then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco and other Louisiana politicians complaining that a disproportionate share of federal hurricane relief went to Mississippi, which got $281 million for the project despite losing fewer residences than its western neighbor. But the Louisiana program since has been beset by public disagreements among state agencies, elected and appointed officials and the private contractor hired as the developer, with all sides pointing fingers at 'red tape' and each other.
In Mississippi, despite negative attention last week for a few hundred of their alternative trailers being condemned for Hurricane Gustav damage, the state Emergency Management Agency has placed 2,800 Mississippi Cottage units; 300 more await delivery to nonprofit agencies that will provide them to disadvantaged Mississippians.
In a written statement last week, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said, 'It is unacceptable that not one cottage has been built yet under this program. I've asked (LRA executive director) Paul Rainwater to take the lead . . . to cut through the red tape and do what it takes to expedite getting these cottages built.'"
FULL STORY: Recovery cottages have yet to go up

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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