[JohnHumbert]

As the cleanup effort continues and folks put their lives back together, I am beginning to think about situations that are secondary. Was wondering if anyone else had thoughts or comments about these topics:

(1) What is going to happen to all the kids in school? Where will they go?

(2) Will it be possible or will they allow building to be done in areas such as Bolivar now that it is clear that the likelyhood of total loss is so great? Who would insure now? Would they prohibit building? What do you do if you have a lot now and can't build again?

(3) While many homes are "still standing", there seems to be almost a 100% damage rate. How long, realistically, will it take to repair all these houses - even the ones with relatively minor damage? THere are only so many contractors, roofers, electricians, etc. This could take years and years, couldn't it? I mean, my experience with contractors is that if it takes two weeks to schedule and get a new toilet put in - how long will it take to schedule and get 5000 (or 10,000 - no, make that 20,000) homes have their electrical checked, the plumbing checked, and the downstairs completely re-done?

(4) How are they going to get all the sand out of the sewer systems?

(5) How is Galveston going to survive until tourism is restored? New Orleans is still recovering and it's been years.

(6) Where are they going to put all the trash/debris collected? Burn it? I mean, that's a lot of stuff out there!

(7) What is this going to do to insurance, pricing and availability - especially since we're having to bail out AIG (I am wondering if the bailout wasn't triggered by the huge losses they are going to have pay out).

(8) How can you police the area without power?

 

[Pocketfisherman]

In Austin, the local news is telling Ike evacuees to enroll their kids in school here if they think it will be more than 3-4 weeks before they can return. I guess that's so they get them "officially" on the books so they can get the federal education funds per student.

 

[Spots and Dots]

I suspect everyone has similar thoughts, and thinks "there is no way to rebuild".



I watched a show 2 nights ago about Malaysia, where the typhoon hit in 2004. That place was bigger and better than before, with people and tourist everywhere.


The good 'ol USA and Great State of Texas will revive itself. .....torn and battered, but not dead.

 

[Charles Helm]

I believe the news indicated they would start enrolling evacuee children here as well.

 

[CoastalOutfitters]

my son is/was attending TAMU Galveston.

the place is obviously totally shut down and there is no power or support, although word we got is that the campus is in pretty good shape.

they are trying to assimilate the students into main campus, but all their books, etc are on the ship.

 

[kenny]

People are enrolling their children in school here in san Antonio.

They'll allow people and businesses to rebuild in Bolivar. Maybe further back with stricter building codes.

There will be plenty of contractors, some very good ones and some fly-by-night. It'll get rebuilt.

The sand in the sewers I don't know.

Galveston hotels and restaurants, etc. will survive off contractors and thousands of laborers.

Land fill if it's not toxic.

Unfortunately insurance will go up for everyone. I personally think their should be a moratorium on insuring commercial residential properties and a $250,000. cap, or there about, per home on windstorm insurance.

 

[chickenboy]

I remember when the Saints played their first home game after Katrina, the city went wild. One of Saints players said on live TV, "Wow years from now folks won't remember that strom Katrina, but they well sure remember this football game!"


Good grief...but honestly a little distraction right now might just help all of us.