Historic Preservation and Hurricane Katrina

Experts testified about the role federal, state and local governments would play in preserving historic properties affected by Hurricane Katrina in an oversight hearing investigating the condition of historic properties in the disaster area and how the package of historic preservation mitigation measures would aid in restoring hurricane-affected areas. Topics included the legislative package proposed by the National Trust and the American Institute of Architects, and other recommendations.

Among the topics the first panel discussed were the “Rebirth of Louisiana and New Orleans,” assessment of critically damaged landmarks, additional technical support for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the field, homeowners' assistance, and federally-funded programs.

Members of the second panel discussed hurricane response issues including a disaster assistance package for historic preservation, federal tax incentives for historic rehabilitation, and damage assessment to histo close