Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own
breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an
appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is
raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican
as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us
to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry
our successes and zest for living to future generations.
Letter to Mr. James Lee Witt Director of FEMA
November 19, 1998
CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECIEPT
REQUESTED
Mr. James Lee Witt
Director of FEMA
Federal Center Plaza
500 “C” Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
RE: Approximately 2,600 flood plain acres schedules for development on North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, St. Tammany Parish, Slidell, Louisiana, East of I-10, T10S, R14E, titles Oak Harbor East and Lakeshore Estates
Dear Mr. Witt:
Pursuant to SOWL’s letter to you dated
November 17, 1998, concerning the above captioned, I have recently discovered a Corps report on flooding from Hurricane Camille in 1969. Enclosed is a copy of this report published in May, 1970. It appears to be extremely relevant to my prior letter.
Please note the copy of the map from such report showing a tidal surge of approximately 9 feet on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain in the above captioned area. At the time, this area did not flood because of the levee system in place.
The present Oak Harbor-Lakeshore Estate Plan calls for the levees to be punctured in approximately two places permitting Lake Pontchartrain to flow directly into multiple interior canals and marina. This is inviting major flood disaster.
If our calculations are correct, this area is 3 to 5 feet below sea level. Since a 9-foot storm surge has already been documented, this would mean houses would have to be constructed 12 to 14 feet high under FEMA regulations.
The Corps in their environmental assessment of this project has not taken into consideration their own Hurricane Camille Report. Lives and property and our whole Louisiana flood insurance policies are at stake here.
Please advise.
Sincerely yours,
SAVE OUR WETLANDS, INC
LF/kcm
Enclosures
cc: Louisiana State Attorney General
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner, Jim Brown
SOWL Executive Attorney
Melinda Leonard, Esq.
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Earth Justice
Tulane Environmental Law Clinic
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