I agree that cuts in funding, in regards to the flood walls / levees, weren't necessarily the cause just whether in terms of engineering what was done was an improvement. I have a feeling that the upgraded flood wall was value engineered based upon maximizing land use around it, cost of upkeep and probability in regard to storm size. That would explain to me while it was designed for a cat. 3 and not cat. 4 or 5 storm. Its not the first time value engineering has led to tragedy. Again though this is speculation on my part but I would be curious to learn more.
