posted 08-13-2017 10:19 AM                  

An un-named tropical system moved inland from the Gulf of Mexico and stalled. Over two days this storm dropped 26 inches of rain on my house or about 50,000 gallons of water. Meteorologist called it a 1000 year flood. The damage caused by this incredible amount of water is unbelievable!

145,000 houses are not repaired overnight. About half of the people ( including me ) didn't have flood insurance. Those that did,had to fight insurance company's and government stupidity. The biggest red tape hurdle as been the FEMA regulation that if your house was damaged more than 50% of its value you would not be granted a permit to rebuild. Then there are the crooked contractors that have flocked in to rob many of the victims. Not a week goes by without an arrest being made of one of these SOB's.

I have been luckier than many. I have a friend who is a contractor and he has helped me get my house back to live able condition. It's not complete but I can see the finish line from here. I hope that on the 2nd anniversary of this terrible event I can put the top down on my future Prowler and take a cruise through my completely repaired city. One can dream!

Mike

posted 08-13-2017 11:48 AM                  

Wishing you good luck on the finishing touches to complete, and seeing you in another Prowler again

posted 08-13-2017 10:10 PM                  

This picture was posted on Facebook by my sister. It says it better than I ever could.

posted 08-14-2017 06:23 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by robin:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your community.
We generally just see the story on the news.
But rarely see the lasting affects that you have to deal with every day.
I hope nothing but the best moving forward.
I am going to make a donation to the site so you will get your 17 star.
I wish there was more I could do.. Take Care and keep fighting....
robin

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posted 08-14-2017 07:05 AM                  

The most infuriating thing about the flood was it could, for the most part, been avoided. In 1983 a " 100 year flood" hit this area. In response to that event Congress authorized The Corp of Engineers to construct a reservoir and 12 mile long diversion canal to hold and direct flood water to the Mississippi River. To finance this project a property tax was, and continues to be payed by residents in the affected area. That was in 1992 and to date, the only thing they have to show for it is one lone lock. EPA and other Federal agencies have tied this project up in study after study. Wet land mitigation, animal displacement studies, impact studies on plants and fauna ect. ect....
In comparison it took only 7 years to build the 360 mile long Erie Canal using only mules and shovels!

There is more, but you get the idea.