Remembering Katrina: Stones Taught Me To Fly

Hurricane Katrina delayed my bar results, destroyed my house and changed my plans. It’s hard to believe that 5 years have gone by, and it’s been about that long since I’ve looked at these pictures. They were taken in the months after the storm, when I was starting Wolfe Law Group and getting back on track.

A lot of our family, friends and colleagues have had a very difficult half-decade. Hurricane Katrina’s effects are fading, but they aren’t gone. Just from my own personal experience in the legal profession, I can see the storm’s impact lingering as the subject of on-going litigation.

The city is, however, making it along. And I feel quite lucky to have a great staff, great clients and great family and friends, who without which, Wolfe Law Group could not be the success it is today. Thanks to all of you.

Click on any photo in the main window to see description. For great professional photos, see this story from Boston.com.

4 Years Post-Katrina Construction Outlook in New Orleans is Optimistic

Just last week, New Orleans marked the 4 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  Coverage of the anniversary looked back on the somber experience, and then looked forward to the city’s continued progress.

Construction Outlook is Optimistic

The construction market in New Orleans has managed to largely avoid the national recession, giving Hurricane Katrina a silver lining.  As four years have now passed since the storm, many are wondering:  can the construction boom continue?

Fortunately for regional contractors, the answer seems to be yes.

In July, we reported at the Construction Law Monitor that the Army Corps of Engineers were seeking more contractors to perform federal levee projects.   Just last week, the Corps reported more good news for infrastructure projects in Louisiana stating plans to spend $1 billion to restore wetlands.

And while much has already been spent to rebuild the Crescent City, on Katrina’s anniversary President Obama vowed to speed the nation’s recovery effort.  In the New York Times article covering the topic, it was reported that the government has freed up “hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance that has not been distributed.”

Legal Information About Public Works Projects

There’s a lot to be optimistic about in the South Louisiana construction industry…but, most heavy spending projects are publicly funded.   Those who have experience working on public projects aren’t concerned about this, but many companies who ordinary focus on private work may be shaking in their boots.    There’s no need to be concerned.

While public contracts certainly have unique requirements and details, it doesn’t need to be foreign territory.   Here are some blog posts here at the Construction Law Monitor to help the private contractor better understanding public contracting:

• The Public Contracting Category.   You can start by reading the articles posted in the “Public Contracting” category.
• The Stimulus Package and Your Construction Business.   This blog posts discusses the difference between public and private contracts, and explains how your company can get federal and public work.
• E-Verify.   A hot topic in federal contracting, your company should read and learn about the new e-verify requirements when preparing work on a federal contract.