Bill Himpler, AFSA's senior vice president for government affairs, was among a delegation of 65 representatives from financial service trade associations, member companies and the federal government who embarked December 5 on a fact-finding trip to New Orleans to witness hurricane devastation first hand.

The trip's purpose was to provide industry representatives with an opportunity to meet with state and local officials who have been tasked with developing and implementing recovery plans. Despite initial calls for over $200 billion in federal relief, the group was impressed by the measured views now expressed by local and state officials, community groups and local business leaders. While plans for rebuilding New Orleans are still in the offing, it was clear that leaders at all levels appreciate that the city will have to change to meet this challenge and that it will not look the same as it did before Hurricane Katrina.

The group toured the lower ninth ward to survey the full extent of the devastation that hit some of New Orleans' poorest communities. Katrina's destructive path stretched on for mile after mile and most were struck with the realization that the tour had only scratched the surface. Three months after the levees had been breached, there was still no sign of life in these neighborhoods: no people, no birds or squirrels, no vegetation. With heavy mold growing on every standing piece of drywall, it was clear that removal efforts are a long way from completion.

Tour guides noted that two million tons of debris had been hauled away already and yet it was clear that it hadn't made a dent. After three hours, participants agreed that news coverage could not effectively convey the extent of the devastation and scope of the challenges that lie ahead.

The highlight of the trip was meeting with Mayor Ray Nagin. "His description of the damage and the challenges facing New Orleans were sobering and realistic," said AFSA's Himpler. "At the same time, everyone in the meeting was impressed with his optimism. He was not shy about stating that he hadn't signed up for this type of duty as mayor, but none doubted his desire to drive the rebuilding of his beloved city. He clearly understands that restoring New Orleans is a ten-year effort and he fully expects to see it through to completion."

Upon returning from New Orleans, the group held briefings for House and Senate staff. Participants conveyed the need for swift action by government at all levels to help prevent existing problems from getting worse. In the absence of comprehensive plans, industry representatives called on Congress to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to produce new flood maps for the region by early next year. Congressional aides understood that industry efforts to reinvest in the region will be hindered without this basic information.