But two years after Katrina laid waste to much of the metropolitan area, the rebuilding is slow, stymied by red tape, bureaucratic infighting and what some see as a lack of political leadership.Blakely, who began work in January, more than 16 months after Katrina, had hoped to have $1.1 billion in federal grants, private investment and hurricane bond proceeds for the rebuilding. But the money has been slow in coming through, particularly the private investment New Orleans needs so badly.
So Blakely said he will move ahead with $216 million, consisting almost entirely of federal grants, and hope more money will follow.
“It’s certainly enough to lay the first couple of stones,” he said.
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