Approval of New Orleans East Levees a Good Sign for Flood Insurance Rates

Levee officials say the Federal Emergency Management Agency has certified non-federal levees in New Orleans East, a step which should help spur economic development in a part of the city lagging in its comeback from Hurricane Katrina.

FEMA officials certified two levee segments that fall inside the larger flood protection system built by the Army Corps of Engineers for New Orleans East. The agency was reviewing whether the levees would handle flooding that might happen inside the federal system from heavy rains.

The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East announced FEMA’s accreditation.

The certification will help keep flood insurance rates from spiking in the area.

Sherman Copelin, the president New Orleans East Business Association, said the agency’s move would help entice businesses into the area.